#or chime in on your favourite characters or anything

[ciaossu-imagines]

Yeah. The moment I realised how many voice Japanese actors that I liked were in it, I just had to go for it. I’ve finished the first season now btw and will probably watch the movie later today. I’ll give you my person opinions in the DMs because imo it’s easier like that. Especially since I put some references to certain episodes in there and even use a quote at some point. And I totally understand your feelings towards Mahiru and even though I don’t have those, I do have some protective feelings towards him and some other characters. I like how it was even obvious to you and I’ll tell you that even by the end he’s still one of my faves but in a ‘wants to be there for him’ kind of way. Like I’d want to create a friend for him more above anything else. Yeah. I discovered two in different ways. Mikuni has me intrigued and I want to see more of him and he’s just so fun to watch. Then we have Hyde / Lawless who just… *holds hedgehog gently*. I was looking forward to seeing him because he’s voiced by one of my favourite Japanese voice actors (who is also in Haikyuu!! and makes his first appearance in the second season) and also because of his little dance in the end credits and he gives me so many feelings, none romantic but still all the feelings. I presume the fave that your talking about here is the character you mentioned in our DMs. I like him and understand him and hope that if he appears in the future, under better circumstances. I like how you love both. The opening song is a bit too intense for me so I always skipped it, but I would always listen to the ending song whenever I could.

Also, there’s something I want to ask. I do plan on reading the manga at some point, once I’ve done the first reread of that story I plan on posting later this year, and I was wondering how accurate of an adaptation the anime is. Like can I just start where the anime left off on or should I start earlier somewhere? Also, a few days ago you mentioned in a post that you would like to hear about our favourite friendships and I have to say that Mahiru and Sakuya are now def a favourite of mine. It’s just such a good friendship with interesting layers to it.

That’s all from me for now. Hope you have / had a wonderful day.

C

I'm just so glad you ended up going for it and Jesus, compared to me, you watch so quickly! I'll admit that I didn't watch the movie myself. In an odd turn from how I usually do things, I had watched the first couple episodes of the anime first but knew within the first three episodes that I loved it and really wanted to give the manga a shot too and while I finished the twelve episodes of the anime, I just stayed manga only after that. I might give the movie a shot when I do my reread and catch up of the manga in March and rewatch of the anime. I'll probably talk more about Servamp to you in our dm's, just because, like you said, it's probably easier that way, though as usual, I'm terrible at responding to those quickly and probably will need a couple more days before I respond, especially since (though I adore how much we talk, please don't think I don't) we talk a lot and have so much to say to each other that it normally takes me an hour or three to properly write out my messages to you.

I will say, I was surprised by Lawless so much! I had figured you'd like Mikuni…I love him, I honestly do, he's a fantastic character, especially in the later manga chapters and just I am always so curious about him and every time I think I have him figured out, I second guess myself. But Lawless surprised me. He's truly fantastic too, but I would have guessed you would have loved Licht the more out of the two of them. But that is very cool to learn about Lawless' voice actor! I know how much a good voice actor can mean to you. And see, in a surprising twist here, among my many eclectic music tastes, your girl here absolutely loves metal music or anything along those lines, so the opening really hits me right and it's actually on my hiking playlist because it makes me wanna get up and move and push hard.

As for the adaption of manga to anime, I haven't rewatched the anime fully in a bit, but I think it was a fairly decent adaption, but the ending of the anime was different from manga continuity. I think, but feel free to correct me if it turns out that I am wrong, that it was a case of the anime getting ahead of the manga? I know I personally noticed enough little differences in the manga when I started right from the beginning that I wasn't bored, even covering some of the same territory the anime did, and the art is just a joy in the manga, but I'd love to hear from other Servamp fans. What would you guys say in terms of where to start in the manga??

AND YES TO MAHIRU AND SAKUYA. I love their friendship, I love their bond and connection and how difficult it is for these friends to really have to be on opposite sides of what really is a war. Thank you so much for weighing in and all your wonderful opinions and I hope you're having an amazing day too, my lovely!

[mingis-orangejuice]

Love and Deepspace Boys with an MC that's good with children Part.1: Zayne

Summary: MC helps cheer up a little girl at Akso Hospital, she then asks Zayne to invite the "Pretty hunter who was super fun" to come back

a/n: these ones were so fun to write. tbh this one is my least favourite of them, but it's still good tho just, idk ... you'll understand once you read the other parts.

Genres/Warnings: just pure teeth rotting fluff

Word count: 908

Other parts: 2, 3, 4

Sitting in the waiting room at Akso Hospital you quietly stare out the window. The nurse walks in and informs you that Dr.Zayne might take a bit longer than usual since he’s currently in the OR and there are some complications. You thank the nurse for informing you and decide to take a little stroll around the hospital while you wait. As you slowly walk down the hall, you pass by an open room and hear a small voice say 

“Miss, can you help me ?” You stop in your tracks and look around to see where the voice is coming from. You see a little girl standing in the doorway of the room you just passed. She was wearing a pink hospital gown with a cast on one of her arms and holding a teddy bear and a picture book in the other.

You turn around and return to the room “Sure, what do you need help with, hun?” You both walk into her room. It looks like any other hospital room with two beds separated by a curtain divider. The little girl’s bed was the one near the window, but there was no one in the other bed.

“Can you read this to me? Mrs Jenkins usually helps me but she’s in surgery right now so I have no friends to help me read” The little girl points to the empty bed “She said when she comes back we’ll read 100 books together!”

“Wow, that sounds like fun,” You say as you take a seat on the little chair next to her bed. The little girl hands you the book and gets under her covers. “Are you and Mrs. Jenkins close?”

“Yeah she always reads to me every day and she’s even teaching me how to read.” the little girl stated happily

“Pretty soon you’ll be reading books to her then” You smiled.

The little girl looked at you with bright eyes “That would be so cool I hope she comes back from surgery soon” she sadly looked over to the empty bed

“I’m sure she’ll come back soon, happy and healthier than ever” you reassure.

Trying to get her mind off of a sad topic you opened the book and started reading. It was a cute picture book about dragons, and you made sure to do all the voices of each character while reading. The little girl loved it she was laughing the whole time. Once that book was finished the little girl got off the bed and picked out another book from her backpack she kept on the floor under her bed. “Can you read this one too?” You smile take the book and start reading. After that book, she kept asking you to read more and more and you kept agreeing to do so. 

You two had been reading for a while now. You had almost completely forgotten about your appointment with Dr. Zayne when you heard a knock on the hospital room door. You both look over to see Zayne wheeling in an elderly lady in a wheelchair. “Mrs. Jenkins!” the little girl excitedly screamed. She got out of her bed ran over to the lady and gave her a big hug.

Zayne looked at you “What are you doing here, shouldn’t you be in the waiting room awaiting your appointment?”

Before you could say anything the little girl chimed in “Dr.Zayne, This lady was helping me read, she’s really nice, please don’t be mad at her.”

Zayne can’t help but smile at the little girl’s words, as annoyed as he was with you he couldn’t deny that seeing you in such a maternal role was too cute. “Ok I won't scold her for almost missing her appointment since you asked so nicely” he ruffled her hair and smiled.

A few days later Zayne gives you a call “Are you busy now, I need you to come to Akso.”

“What's wrong? Did something happen?” you were already fumbling to get your shoes on, thinking that there might be some kind of emergency.

“No, no nothing’s wrong. Remember that young girl you read to a few days ago? Her name is Ramona. She was telling all the other kids in the pediatric ward about the pretty lady who read to her and was super fun, I assume she was talking about you. She asked me if I could invite you again, and I said I'd see what I could do.”

“Wow, I’m flattered. Of course, I'll come. I’ll be there soon” You hang up and start to get ready.

Once you get there Zayne leads you to a room with about 10-15 kids in it. You greet the kids and sit down in the rocking chair Zayne had prepared for you, Ramona hands you a book. It was the story of the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf.

“This one’s my favourite” Ramona expresses as she sits down on the floor with the other kids

“Hmm it seems like there's a lot of characters in this book, I don’t think I can do all the voices by myself. Maybe we can ask Dr.Zayne to help out.” you look to the children and then to Zayne who had been standing in the doorway. 

“Please Dr.Zayne !” the kids begged

He looked surprised for a moment. He looked at you saw your little mischievous grin and chuckled. He couldn’t say no to you or those kids. He reluctantly walks over to where you’re sitting and takes the book from you. “Alright if we’re going to do this then let's do it right” 

As the day went on, he felt his heart swell watching how sweet you were with the kids. He knew you were the one already, but he was so enamoured by you after this he could have proposed on the spot.

[yuyusboyfriend]

⋆ Get On Mic ⋆

pairing: Mingi x gn reader ft. Yunho

word count: 2,3k

content: Mingi likes your, and his best friend's, voice a little... too much and isn't very good at hiding it

warnings/tags: mxm, sub!mingi, dom!reader, switch!yunho, phone sex, voyeurism, possessive mingi, I can't really think of any others, tell me if there's anything else

a/n: just incase, wyd= what you doing ,vc=voice chat, also this isn't proof read so!!! sorry

Mingi: you busy?

You: just finished some work, why wyd?

Mingi: jump on vc lets play, you promised. and the guys miss you

This was the 3rd time this week you had abandoned your 'finished' homework for Mingi. You would've said not tonight as said homework is due tomorrow, but for all the boys? You supposed you could play for a little while.

Mingi had been acting differently for a few weeks, nothing obvious, but you had noticed he had become much clingier with you. "Did one of your anime characters die or something?" you asked the giant that was wrapped around you as you made lunch for the boys.

"Hm? Oh, no, you're just so comfy. This hoodie new?" he grumbled into your shoulder, putting his hands in the front pockets as you tried to maneuver the both of you around the kitchen.

"No it's Jongho's, he said I could borrow it for the day-"

"Wear mine instead." Mingi unravelled himself from you and marched off to his bedroom with purpose, emerging with a hoodie of his own. It was your favourite of his, and he knew it—a tattered grey one that Mingi had owned for years, and he looked so pretty in it; you complimented him on it whenever he decided to wear it. You had actually been seeing it more often these days than you used to.

"Alright Mingi, whatever makes you happy princess" You didn't question his actions; Mingi's clingy days were quite endearing to you if you were honest. He clung to you like a koala to a tree, despite his stature and the fact you could hardly move when he did.

"I'm not a princess y/n,"

"You sure act like one? It's okay to be my princess Mingi, I'll look after you, hm?" Mingi huffed grumpily and slipped his hands under Jongho's jumper to pull it over your head, before realising you weren't wearing a shirt under it. Despite his beet-red face, he slipped his hoodie over your head, and took a step to admire his work; the way you looked in his clothes.

"See that's much better!" He yelled loud enough to smother the noise of his racing thoughts.

"I'm right here Mingi!" You rubbed your ringing ear as he apologised for nearly bursting your eardrum, "You are right though, this does look better. Could you give this back to Jongho when he gets home for me?"

He sighed sarcastically, "Anything for you my y/n." That left you with a weird flutter in your stomach, you weren't used to Mingi using endearing language like that. You wouldn't mind it again, though.

"Thank you, princess!" You laughed and ran away hearing Mingi's heavy footsteps not far behind.

You opened the voice chat to hear Woo and Joong fighting over who got who killed in their last match. "YOU LITERALLY-Y/n! You're here!" Wooyoung yelled down the mic and diverted his attention to you, with a slew of greetings coming through from the boys, Mingi's voice pitching in last.

"You made it," you could practically hear the grin on Mingi's face.

"Here he goes again" Yeosang's voice chimes into the conversation.

"Shut up Yeo."

You look at your screen, confused as to why Yeosang would say that and what it meant; why Mingi's tone had turned deep and icy at the statement, but before you even had a chance to question the situation, Seonghwa beat you to it. "Let's play! San I'm gonna beat your ass."

"We're on the same team??"

After playing a few rounds for a few…hours…the boys finally called a 20-minute break so they could go stretch and raid their kitchen for whatever they had bought on a late-night shopping trip. Well, you thought everybody had gone anyway.

"Y/n?" You almost missed Mingi's hushed voice down the mic, he sounded so soft. You hoped you could go and see the boys after all your assignments were handed in; you missed Mingi's hugs-turned-cuddle-sessions-turned-sleepovers.

"What's up princess, you okay?" your gentle tone sent shivers down the boy's spine. He felt hot when you called him sweet names through the phone, and while he wouldn't admit it to anyone, the way you called him princess got to him. Bad. Like bad in the way that was making him shift in his chair as the fabric on his plaid pyjama pants felt tighter by the second. Fuck, he felt so guilty, letting your sleepy voice get to him like this, but he just couldn't help it. He loved it, he loved the way you made noises when you stretched in your chair, groans slipping out of your mouth-

"Mingi? You there?"

He accidentally huffed a little down the mic, trying to conceal his whimpers as he pressed down into his growing hard-on, trying to gain some friction with the palm of his hand while he answered your worried tone. "yeah yeah,, I'm here. Can you just… talk? Tell me about your day,,, please?" Now that he had started, he just couldn't stop himself from reaching into his trousers now grinding up into his palm through just his boxers.

"Yeah, sure Mingi. So you know that assignment? I actually haven't…." The warmth of your voice spread like wildfires across his burning skin as you told him about… he totally wasn't sure what you were saying. His head was too fuzzy, too high off of your voice that he could barely register your words when he wasn't concentrating.

"Mingi are you okay? You sound out of breath, should I tell one of the guys to check on you-"

"No! No, I'm hh, fine y/n,, c-carry on please" Mingi knew he would get caught any second with the noises escaping his mouth, but he just couldn't help it, he wanted you so fucking bad, he was so desperate for you to just make a move on him after weeks, months of teasing and touching; hell, he had 3 wet dreams and infinite cold showers after he took Jongho's hoodie off your body, his eyes absorbing every detail, curve, scar, blemish, beauty mark—whatever his eyes had access to at that moment.

"Princess. You should've just told me you needed my voice." Busted. You could hear Mingi rhythmically shifting and huffing, his chair squeaking every once in a while. In all honesty, you had caught Mingi doing this a couple of times now, You could always hear the sound of Mingi's hand smacking the base of his cock as he stroked himself to your voice. It lit a heat in your stomach so strong that after the first few times, you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from reaching into your underwear and playing with yourself; Slow enough as to not cum on the call but by the time it had ended you'd be writhing and squirming into your mattress. The thought of him taking in your body with greedy eyes any chance he could had your legs shaking as your orgasm hit you like a truck, crying out his name into your pillow.

"Wh- what? What do you mean?" Mingi's movements came to a halt on the other side of the call.

"Mingi, do you think I can't hear what you've been doing? How all of a sudden when it's just me and you, your breaths become heavy? Oh, princess, you're cute." you couldn't help teasing the poor man, you didn't think you had done too much till you heard the giant whimper into his mic, hands moving at a faster pace than before.

"Answer me, baby, tell me what you're doing, please?"

"Ah- I'm… fuck I'm sorry. Just—your voice is so hot, I couldn't help it—ngh" Before you could you heard a phone camera click, followed by a notification on your phone—Oh.

Mingi's veined hand was practically suffocating the base of his angry cock, precum leaking out of his tip. God, it was a beautiful sight that made your mouth water-

"Mingi. You didn't send that just to me…"

Yunho: did you mean to send that to the both of us or should I just pretend I didn't see anything?

Yunho: Either way, Impressive👍

Mingi squeaked at Yunho's messages out of embarrassment, and being kind of turned on at his friend's words.

Right? You like what you see, Yunho? Come join the call again…

You had a sneaking suspicion that they both had a little more interest in each other than just lifelong friends, and while you liked Mingi a whole lot, his best friend was just as pretty. The two of you had also shared some drunken kisses and touches one night after helping a blacked-out Mingi to bed. You wanted to dress them up in matching outfits and parade them around the house-

"Mingi? Y/n?" Yunho cautiously called out your names, his voice more gruff than usual.

"Yunho… help…" Mingi was barely able to get his words out, between the shame of getting caught out, and the way it was making him more needy by the second, his brain felt as though it was becoming mush.

"Mingi, are you really rubbing one out in the call again? You were bound to get caught, this is on you." Ah, so you weren't the only one who had caught onto his antics. To be fair, when it was just late-night calls between the 3 of you, he wasn't sly at all. All the shuffling and coughing to cover up his sounds, and the way he would mute himself for a suspiciously long amount of time with no warning, all to come back with a groggy voice and shallow breaths.

"Again?! Ah-What do you mean again-" Mingi gave up on trying to stop his whimpers and groans between speaking, letting them fall out of his bitten lips.

"Mingi, you could've just told us you needed our help, I'm literally in the room next to yours." Yunho can't help but let out a throaty laugh at the boy's predicament.

"Don't you dare Yunho, if you're gonna touch him then I better be there for it." Your body heat rises at the thought of the two of you teasing Mingi's aching body till he cums for you both. As if Mingi was thinking the same thing, his sweet noises increased with each stroke, one hand reaching up to play with his sensitive nipples. He was so desperate to cum after unintentionally edging himself two times, both of your words mixing with the fuzz in his brain making.

"Guys I don't mean—mean to stop the bickering but—please help,,," Mingi grabbed his phone and threw himself on his soft bed. Since his room was already darkened, the only sources of light emitting from his gaming setup and phone screen thanks to the blackout curtains, he turned the camera on for you and Yunho to see his tired and red face huffing into the darkness.

"Pretty," You heard Yunho whisper under his breath, so quiet you weren't sure if he had meant to say it out loud, but Mingi's little whimper as he rutted against his bed reassured Yunho either way.

"You think so Yunho? You think our princess is a pretty boy?"

"So pretty. Arent you Mingi?" He cried out so loud Yunho could hear him through the wall. He began to beat his cock harder with each stroke slapping his skin louder than the last.

"Oh Mingi, you're so worked up sweet boy, you gonna cum for us?" you whispered sweetly, bringing Mingi closer to his edge.

"Y-yes fuck please I'm so close please keep going" The boy moaned out into the bedsheets, craving his nearing release. He imagined two sets of hands on his aching body, Yunhos larger pair raking across his chest while one of yours grips the surface of his hip, the other dragging up and down his weeping cock.

"Im gonna- I- I need to cum-" You could hear Yunho's breaths becoming shaky and uneven too, the sounds coming from the two almost making you cum untouched at the thought of them getting off to this.

"Yunho, you ready to cum with Mingi? I wanna hear you both cry" You say with a smile, rolling your hips into your pillow.

"Y-yeah, Mingi fuck cum princess" Yunho tried to say in a stable voice, faltering as he and Mingi came into tightened fists, cum streaking against their surroundings. Mingi cried as he spurted white liquid from his tip, what felt like hours of edging coming to an end finally, his orgasm hitting him so roughly he had managed to get cum on his face and the walls from the buildup. Yunhos had been a little less explosive but he had still been desperate for release knowing what his roommate had been up to for so long. After a minute or two of no talking, you checked in,

"You boys okay now?" You approached the situation cautiously.

"Y/n, can you come over? We'll help you with your essay just- please come over?" Mingis's groggy voice pleaded, Yunho carrying on his thoughts.

"I'll pick you up and take you to college in the morning too, we miss you." Maybe it was how soft they sounded in their haze of post-nut clarity, but you really couldn't say no to them.

"I'll be ready in 5 but take your time getting here… Also, I didn't get to cum so are you guys gonna fix that orrrr?" You hear the call end as you finish your sentence and suddenly feel embarrassed.

Mingi: be there in 4.

I'm sorry this is so ass tbh😭😭😭😭 it's done now though thank GOD

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Family Affair

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, cheating, violence, humiliation, biting, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your sister surprises you with good news but you find it difficult to be happy for her. (older, short reader)

Character: Curtis Everett

Note: Happy Curtmas.

For @the-slumberparty Naughty or Nice Challenge.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me 💞

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

Love you all. Take care. 💖

Chatter buzzes from the front room as you brace the wall and lift your foot to unzip your wedge boot. You’re late and the guests are already in the throes of their celebration. You wiggle off both boots and set them amid the clutter of many. As you stand straight and gather up your gift bags and purse, you’re met with an unexpected sight.

You lift a brow, slightly confused by the unfamiliar man. He’s tall, his hair is cut short, and dark stubble adds definition to his well-formed jaw. His eyes are a bold shade of aquamarine but are glossed over with an almost indifferent gleam. He doesn’t say a word as your eyes meet and he just as quickly turns into the front room, hands tucked into the pockets of his black jeans.

It’s been a few years. You’re sure a lot has changed. You head down the hall, past the broad archway of the front room, and into the kitchen. As usual, your mother is there, readying another tray of finger foods.

She looks up from her intent work and gives a wide smile, “you’re here!” She chimes, “I was half-waiting for a call saying you wouldn’t make it.”

Her arrow hits the bullseye of your guilt. You haven’t been the most reliable. You can make excuses; the divorce, work, depression. None of that can assuage her.

“Sorry, mom,” you go to put the gift bags down and she stops you with a tut.

“Ah, ah, you go add those to the pile and say hello,” she demands, “you’re not hiding in here.”

You look at her, almost desperate. You love her but sometimes you wonder if that feeling is mutual. As much as she’s right, you hoped she might have some empathy. She’s been through a turbulent split, she’s had to start again, but she expects you to do it flawlessly. As she has anything else.

“Love you, mom,” you give a sheepish smile.

“Love you too, hon,” she goes back to arrange the spiral of cocktail weenies, “make sure you say hello to your sister. She’s so excited to see you.”

You nod and a real smile breaks through. That was the one light at the end of the tunnel. Your baby sister was always your favourite. Despite nearly two decades between you, she’s your best friend. In a way, you feel like a second mother, taking pride in her like you would a child of your own.

The front room is filled to the brim. Aunt Geri and Uncle Val sit on a sofa with their son, Miko. A cluster of similarly aged cousins stand at the edge of the couch chatting. Aunt Maureen argues with Aunt Kaya, and the latter’s husband stands by the window with a glass in hand and his mind a million miles away.

You always found yourself out of place at these things. When you were a child, you were the youngest one in the room. Too immature to understand the dialogue of your elders. As you got older, the other cousins came along and were too young for your angsty teenage self. Now, you’re caught in the desert between the eras; the retirees complain too much and the coeds talk too loud.

You peer around. A set of broad shoulders draws your eye in the corner of the room. It’s that same man you saw before. He has his back to you as he maintains a casual posture. As he leans on one leg, you see your sister, Adeline, gabbing to him. Oh, he must be with her…

As you drop your gifts under the tree, you mull the revelation. You suppose the assumption wasn’t obvious. At first glance, he’s older than her, or maybe he just looks it. She’s still a sophomore in college but you suppose that makes even more sense. These are the years she gets to figure it all out.

You face the room and stop as Aunt Maureen latches onto your arm, blindsiding you with Kaya as they close in like hyenas.

“There she is,” Maureen slurs.

“Not too good for us after all, huh?” Kaya challenges.

“What? No, uh, Merry Christmas–”

“Where’s Benny?” Maureen interrupts. You blanch, nearly choking on your tongue. The mention of your ex-husband has you breathless.

“Maur,” Kaya hisses, “remember…”

“Probably with his new girlfriend,” you say tersely.

“Oh my,” Maureen lets you go and slaps her forehead, “I’m so sorry. The wine…”

“It’s… okay,” you shrug. “Not talking about it won’t undo it.”

“He was such a charming man,” Maureen hums mournfully. You blink at her.

“His loss,” Kaya pats your arm gently, trying to clean up her sister’s mess. You know they all think the same. You had a good thing and you blew it. Even if you told them he fucked his co-worker, you’d be the one who threw it all away.

“Pity you never got a kid outta him,” Maureen sighs.

“Really, divorce has been final for a year, I’m good,” you insist and shuffle past them, “I’m going to make the rounds.”

“Don’t forget to have some wine,” Maureen calls after you, ��takes the edge off disappointment, you know?”

You growl and shake your head as you stalk away. You wave hello to your other aunt and uncle, hoping to avoid a similarly humiliating encounter, and weave through the sea of guffawing cousins. You come out on the other side as Adeline beams up at her guest.

Her gaze is drawn by your movement and her face lights up. She bounces in place and throws her arms out. She rushes past the man and has you wrapped up in a hug. It’s kind of ridiculous how much taller she is. You’re supposed to be the bigger sister.

“You’re here!” She rocks you in her embrace, “eek! I’m so excited.”

You croak out a breath as she squeezes the air out of you. She releases you with a giggle, apologising as she steps back. She wears a long tulle skirt and a beaded sweater. She’s beautiful. You could never pull something like that off, even twenty years ago.

“Oh, oh, you have to meet Curtis,” she snatches your hand and tugs you over the tall man as he turns to face you. Those same vague eyes fall upon you, “Curtis, this is my sister!”

“Curtis,” you repeat, “it’s nice to meet you.”

You look between them with a brittle smile. He offers his hand as he returns the sentiment. You shake, his palm rough and calloused. Adeline vibrates with joy.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he says. 

“And I’ve heard nothing about you,” you grin at Adeline, “Addy?”

“I’m sorry,” she cups her cheeks guiltily, a sparkle on her ring finger. Your heart drops. “I didn’t know how to– the divorce and–”

“Ad,” you wisp and nearly sway on your feet, “what is that?”

You point to her hand and she quickly swipes it away, hiding it behind her back. “Nothing,” she gulps, the same way she did when she was a child and you caught her playing with your makeup.

There’s a tense silence as you gape in shock. Your mouth hangs open as you search for the words. Your eyes tinge with hot tears but you swallow them back.

“Congratulations,” you draw her into a hug, “really, I’m happy for you.”

She hugs you back, gentler than before. As you part, she looks nervous. Curtis clears his throat.

“Both of you,” you offer him a fragile smile. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little… shocked. Does mom know?”

Adeline nods as she clasps her hands together. You take a breath, and calm yourself. It’s not anything that she fears, you’re not jealous. You’re nervous, you’re afraid for her. It’s a big thing and she’s so young.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around to share the good news,” you say, “I’d love to help, if I can?”

“We got it,” Curtis insists.

“Oh,” you wince, “I didn’t mean– I could help with the planning or the engagement part–”

“We’re eloping,” he crosses his arms, “we’re not wedding people. Whole lot of money and fanfare for nothing.”

You nod, holding back your surprise as best you can. Nothing? It’s marriage. Even if they don’t want a big ceremony, it means something.

“I could help pay for the trip–”

“I got it,” he enunciates each word as he sidles over to sling his arm around your sister’s back. She looks away meekly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep. She’s my sister, I just want to–”

“If you wanted to help, you would’ve been around the last two years,” he interjects.

Adeline’s head snaps around as she gives him a look. She nudges him with her elbow and whispers his name. He glares at you as you wilt. You’re not sure what you’ve done or said.

“Well, I think maybe me and Addy can talk about that,” you look at your sister, “when you have a chance, of course. I don’t want to spoil the holiday.”

“Adeline,” he corrects you, “Addy is so juvenile.”

The benefit of the doubt splinters as his tone cuts through you. You bite your tongue. Perhaps a twenty-one year old is juvenile to someone his age. You’ll talk to Addy about that too.

“Adeline,” you force a smile, “I… I’m going to go check on mom.” You show a palm in deference as you excuse yourself, “we’ll catch up later.”

As you back away, your eyes meet Curtis’. He watches you with a scowl. You are taken completely off balance. How could she end up with someone like him? She’s so sweet and he’s so scary…

Maybe she’s afraid too.

🎄

Christmas Eve ends much the same as you remember. The elders sit around the dining table to play cards as the kids, now adults, disperse in the living room or outside to entertain themselves. There’s a vague stench near the front door that no one will comment on but everyone knows what it is as it wafts in from outside.

You find yourself in limbo, once more caught in the in-between. You hole up in the kitchen, staring at the kettle as you wait for it to tremble. You won’t be missed if you take a tea up to your assigned room without a good night.

You lean on the counter and sigh, your finger brushing over the brim of the white porcelain cup with the hen on it. Strange how your mother’s house never seems to change but your life is inextricably altered. Your melancholy dims the cheery decor around you as you wallow away from the voices of the merry.

“There you are,” Adeline startles you as she sweeps in, “oh, is there any of the hot choccy left?”

You smile at her question. Everything about her reminds you of the time passed, of her newfound adulthood, yet she’s just the same little girl you always knew. You turn and pull the tin forward, “one packet left, just for you.”

You pull it out and face her again. She pulls out a mug from the cupboard and sets it down. The kettle hums between you as it heats up.

She exhales as you linger in a tense silence. You both have so much to say but neither of you know where to start. She finds her words first. Despite being younger, she was always the more outspoken.

“Do you like him?” She asks.

You poke your tongue into your cheek, “well, I’ve barely spoken to him. He seems to like you though.”

Her cheeks bulb as she grins bashfully, “I love him.”

Your chest seizes as you recognize that glimmer in her eye. She’s genuine, she feels that love so deeply it consumes her. It’s a naive love but real nonetheless. The sort you can’t see for what it is until it turns sour.

“I can tell,” you reach forward to fix the bow on her headband, “I’m happy for you. And my offer still stands. Maybe if it’s not the wedding, a honeymoon, or help with a house…” you wet your lips and steady your voice, “I only want you to be happy, Addy– Adeline.”

“Oh, he’s just… he’s like that. I can’t even call him Curt. He balances me out,” she beams.

“Yeah,” you say noncommittally.

“What?” Her voice dampens.

“Nothing,” you distract yourself with the variety of tea bags in the wooden chest next to the breadbox, “it’s… a lot. I’m surprised, is all. I just hope it goes well.”

She sniffs and lets her breath out long and heavy, “I’m sorry, I knew– he kinda said you’d probably be upset. After Benny–”

“This has nothing to do with him,” you narrow your eyes at her, a bag of chai in your hand, “this is about you. I only want what’s best for you.”

“He’s so good to me, you don’t have to worry.”

“I can worry, you’re my baby sister,” you insist, “and…” You shake your head, refusing to let the thought escape.

“And what?” She challenges, her pitch squeaking.

“Nothing.”

“No, tell me. I can always tell when you’re dying to say something. What?”

You shrug, “it’s just… how old is he?”

She scoffs, “wow.”

“What? I’m just asking.”

“It’s not like he’s old enough to be dad,” she pouts and crosses her arms.

“I know, I didn’t mean– Ad–Adeline, I just— you have time to figure it out. So I hope you’re not rushing this.”

“I’m not,” she snips, an uncharacteristic edge in her voice.

“I believe you… but what about him?”

She’s quiet as the kettle clicks, signalling the boiling point. You turn and drop the tea bag into your cup and pour the water. She tears open the packet and empties it into her own mug.

“Sorry,” you utter, “forget it. I… I don’t know him so maybe I need to get to know him. I’m here, Ad, and I will always be here for you.”

She nods and reaches for the kettle, not looking at you.

“Really, I trust you. I just worry about you,” you clap your hand on her shoulder, “you’re my lil teddy bear.”

She chuckles and looks down at you, your statement made absurd by the difference in your heights.

“And you’re the big grizzly, scaring off the wolves,” she kids back.

“Adeline,” the deep rumble thunders in ahead of the man, making both of you jump. You pull back your hand as Curtis strides in, “hey, I’ve been waiting on you.”

“Oh, sorry, baby,” she preens at him, “I was just–”

“You said we’d call my family after dinner,” he interrupts.

“I forgot,” she squeals, “oh, I’m so sorry.” She glances over at you, “I did promise.”

“Go on,” you try to smile but you’re not sure it’s showing.

She spins and flits over to Curtis. His eyes meet yours over her shoulder. His brows arch as his jaw is set in stone. A chill runs up your spine at the ice in his dark pupils. He grabs Adeline’s hand and drags her out.

You’re left in silence. You look over at the unmixed powder floating in the steaming water. You chew your lip as you stare at it. It’s just hot chocolate but there’s something about her abandoning something she loves so much for him. You try not to let your own failed marriage echo over her relationship, but it just feels off.

Well, Benny always did say you never did handle change very well.

🎄

The night before Christmas is rarely a restful one. Even without the childish belief in Saint Nick, you find yourself awake, anxious but not for presents. You keep replaying the night through your head; not the awkward interactions with aunts and uncles, or the silent judgment from the younger crowd, but Adeline and Curtis. Let it go, it’s none of your business.

You huff and roll on your back. Sleep eludes you. You sit up and bend over the side of the bed. You hold your head. You’ll sneak out the bathroom and hopefully an empty bladder will help.

You drag your feet across the floor, the legs of your pajama pants too long and trailing down your feet. You open the door and yawn as you enter the hall, only to collide with another unexpected barrier. Before you can react, you’re being forced back into the guestroom, stumbling as your fingers claw at the door frame and slip off.

A hand smothers your mouth, rough against your lips, as a foot kicks the door shut with a sharp click. You murmur into the calloused flesh as an arm loops around your back, trapping you as you’re urged further into the dark. You grasp at the cotton clinging to muscular shoulder. You’re kept off balance by your attacker’s certainty.

“I fucking heard you,” Curtis’ silty grit seeps into your ears, “you think I’d hurt her?” He snarls as he stops you at the foot of the bed. His shadow looms over you, breath puffing from his nostrils as he growls like a beast, “I wouldn’t, but I’ll hurt you.”

He pushes you back so your legs meet the side of the bed. You teeter and clasp your hand around his wrist, squeaking as he easily takes you down onto the mattress. He pins you, your legs hanging off the end, kicking weakly as his other hand curves around your throat.

He bends over you, straddling your chest heavily. You can’t breathe. Your heart pounds until your ears throb. Your temples pulse violently and your throat dries to a sandy scrape.

“Stay out of my fucking business,” he snarls, sliding down your body.

You whimper into his hand as he drops his knees off the bed, holding himself over you. He squeezes your neck, choking out your voice as he drags his hand from your mouth. He feels along your chest and flicks open the top button of your shirt. Your eyes wet in horror.

“Fucking show you…” he sneers as his breath scours over your flesh.

Another button undone as his lips tick along your shoulder. You squeak once more as he sinks his teeth into your flesh, biting a mean pinch until you spasm. The pain is unbearable. You feel the skin break as the hot flow of blood mingles with his spit.

He detaches only to bite you again. You can’t make a noise as his grip grows tighter on your neck. Even if you could scream, you’re too terrified and confused to understand what he’s doing. He’s like an animal tearing you apart. 

He lays a tortured path down your chest, lingering on the rise of flesh, gnawing into the tenderness there. His nails dig into your side, pushing up your shirt as he scratches hot lines into your skin. You push on his shoulders desperately but he’s too strong.

“Stop filling her head with your bitterness,” he growls before he bites into your nipple. 

You shake and beat on his head, shoulders, and back. You writhe and wrestle, trying to free yourself from him. He continues on, down your stomach, lingering on the soft flesh as his fingers hook into the elastic of your pants.

Your panic overflows with your tears. This can’t be happening. Why would he do this? He could talk to you? You would listen. You didn’t say anything wrong, you just want Adeline to be careful.

The very thought of your sister throttles you. Does he do this to her? Is this why she’s so defensive? The idea makes you sick to your stomach.

He lifts himself, his weight centering on your neck. You think he’ll crush your windpipe as he looms over you, snarling in the blackness. He pushes you higher onto the bed, forcing your legs open with his knees.

“Don’t make a fucking noise or I’ll make sure you can’t,” he threatens, giving a last squeeze before slowly slackening his grip.

You hold your breath. You believe him. Your body goes limp and you close your eyes. The bed shifts as he sits back on his heels. He pulls your pants down your thighs and you whine. He hushes you, a harsh tap across your cheek to get his point across.

You let your head drift to one side as you clench the blanket beneath you in tight fists. He keeps your legs trapped in your pants, knees bent as the fabric strains across his stomach. He tilts and movies around, his fingernails scratching the back of your thighs.

“Bet the husband couldn’t stand your fucking mouth,” he snarls as he pushes roughly against your cunt. “Didn’t know how to train you.” He jams two fingers into you, jolting your entire body, “dry bitch like you, he was probably thirsty as fuck.”

You seal your eyes tight, tears trickling through as a sob bubbles in your throat. You want to tell him to stop. You want to ask why. You want to scream. You can’t do anything as your body locks up.

He fingers you meanly, pulling his fingers out only to ram them in again, each time his knuckles hit you painfully. He keeps it up, growling with each intrusion as your muscles knots and pathetic noises rise from your throat.

He forces your legs higher, tearing his hand away from your pelvis. He adjusts his knees and you feel something else against your cunt. 

“No…” you whisper right as he ruts into you.

He splits you apart around him. You let out a holler and he quickly silences you with a crack of his knuckles. The back of his hand snaps off your cheek and turns your head to the other side. You gulp and sob, choking back any noise that threatens to bubble over.

He holds himself as deep as he can. He puts his large hands on your shoulders and pins you flat. He bucks, agony rippling up your spine. He snaps his hips, again and again, each time harder than the last.

“This is what you need. So fucking jealous, aren’t you? Dried up old bitch,” he pumps into you as his breath picks up, “why kind of sister are you, huh? Fucking your baby sister’s man. Fucking slut.”

You cover your face and heave. You’re drowned in pain and humiliation. You’re disgusted with him for doing this to you; and yourself for letting him.

“You don’t wanna hurt her, do you?” He growls, “that’s why this is happening… cause you wanna keep her safe, right?”

He puts his hand against your head and pushes it down into the bed, fucking you into the mattress. The frame pounds the wall, matching his furious rhythm. You reach to brace his thick arm, begging silently for it to end.

“Oh, it’ll be over soon,” he rasps as his hand once more frames your throat, “fuck, you got me ready to blow quicker than I thought.” He puffs, each thrust rattling your bones, “I love how weak you are.”

[animeisfornerdz]

The Tea Shop || Alois Trancy

Synopsis - Alois Trancy stumbles across you at your family tea shop.

Warnings - NSFW.

Notes - All characters are 18+!

Word Count - 4.5k

[Caffeinate Me]

The tea shop had been in your family for generations and hopefully it would continue to stay in your family for more to come. Although your home life was steady, comforting and stable, the tea shop was your favourite place to be. There was nothing more pleasant to you than the aroma of tea leaves that plagued the air. 

Today was like any other day. You woke up, had some breakfast and a cup of tea before heading to open up the shop. Days like this were quiet with few customers popping in to buy their favourite tea so you had decided to bring your current favourite book to entertain yourself during the quiet moments. You opened up shop and sat behind the counter with your book in hand, waiting for your first customers of the day. 

An hour had passed since you opened, and nobody had entered yet, but all that changed when you heard the bell above your door ring. You quickly placed your book down and stood up, a wide smile on your face. “Hello! Welcome to the L/N Tea Shop, how may I help you?” 

You looked at the customer: his light blonde hair was windswept from the weather, but he quickly adjusted it to look more presentable as he closed the door behind himself. The customer stared you down with piercing blue eyes as he walked up to the counter, his chest puffed out. “Earl Grey,” was all he said to you. 

Your eyes widened, slightly taken by his demeanour but you nodded your head and made your way around the counter to a shelf. You picked up a box of your finest Earl Grey tea and returned back to the counter. “Good choice,” you smiled, as you rang him up and bagged the tea. You were just trying to make conversation with the seemingly pissed off gentleman. 

“It’s not for me, it’s for…” he paused, seemingly thinking for a word before looking at you and smiling softly. “A friend.” 

“Well,” you whispered, clearing your throat and handing him the bag. “Your friend has good taste.” 

The man looked you up and down from behind the counter and held his hand out for you to take. “I’m Alois Trancy. Earl of the Trancy Manor.” Your eyes widened once again. It wasn’t every day an Earl came to your quaint little tea shop. He stayed silent for a moment as he watched your movements carefully, tapping his foot impatiently on the ground. “You are?”

You stuttered your words, suddenly really self-conscious as you took his hand to shake. “I’m Y/N. Y/N L/N.” 

Alois nodded and shook your hand, his bright blue eyes softening slightly. “It’s nice to meet you, Y/N L/N.” 

“Likewise Mr Trancy,” you smiled nodding. You retracted your hand from his and placed it by your side, your head tilted ever-so-slightly. 

“Please,” he chuckled. “Call me Alois.”

“Noneseness!” You exclaimed. “An Earl such as yourself deserves my utmost respect.” 

Alois’s eyes lit up at your words. It was clear to you that nobody had ever said anything like that to him. What you didn’t know, however, was Alois’s heart was soaring at your words. He opened his mouth to speak when someone else entered your store. It was a man with raven hair and glasses, wearing a butler uniform. You assumed it was his butler. “My lord, we must get back to the Manor,” the butler spoke, his golden eyes giving you the once over. 

“Coming Claude!” Alois chimed, looking at his butler before looking back at you. “Until we meet again, Y/N.” He smiled before turning to leave your tea shop. 

Once they were in the carriage and on their way back to the Trancy Manor, Claude finally spoke up. “Who was that, Master?” 

Alois remained silent for a moment before replying, “my future wife.” 

A few days had passed since Earl Trancy had come into your tea shop. You couldn’t stop thinking about the man dressed in purple with those beautiful blue eyes. You were once again behind the counter reading your book when someone entered the shop, you did the usual: placed your book down and looked to see who it was. It was Alois. “Earl Trancy!” You exclaimed, a wide smile on your face. This time, he was accompanied by his butler who didn’t utter a word to you. 

“Y/N, lovely to see you again,” Alois smiled back at you. Your heart was beating in your chest rapidly as Alois made his way over to the counter. “Earl Grey, please.” He was much more charming than the first time he entered. 

“Right away Earl Trancy,” you nodded, quickly making your way to the shelf and picking up the same Earl Grey you had offered him before. “I take it this is for your friend?” You asked as you bagged up the tea once again. 

This time, Alois shook his head. “Actually, it’s for myself.” 

“Well if you don’t like it please come back, I’d be more than happy to give you a refund if you’re unsatisfied with our products,” you offered him a genuine smile as you passed him the bag. 

“Don’t be silly,” Alois replied. “I’m sure I’ll find some use for it if it’s not to my liking.” You glanced over at his butler, Claude. His presence was ominous as he loomed over the counter not saying a word. Alois looked at Claude and nodded to the door. Claude seemingly got the silent message and made his way out of the tea shop, leaving you and Alois alone. “Say Y/N…” Alois started, playing with his fingers. 

“Yes?” You replied, that sweet smile still plastered on your lips. 

“How would you like to come to my Manor for dinner tonight?” He asked, seemingly shyly. 

You were shocked to say the least. To be offered, by an Earl, to come to his Manor for an evening meal was something you never thought would happen to you. Despite this, you never had to think. You nodded and grinned widely. “It would be my honour.” 

“Wonderful,” Alois clapped his hands together. “I’ll have Claude come and retrieve you after you finish up here.” 

“Sounds good,” you nodded. 

Alois said his goodbyes before leaving once again. You stared at the door as he did, your heart thumping against your ribcage. “Did that really just happen?” You asked yourself, sitting down behind the counter yet again, grabbing your book. You couldn’t wipe the smile off your face for the rest of the day. You were excited to say the least. The rest of your shift went by relatively quickly and quietly, with few customers coming in to buy their favourite tea. Five minutes before closing time, Claude entered the shop. His golden eyes watching your every move. “I’m here to escort you to the Trancy Manor,” he said stoically. 

“Thank you Claude,” you offered him a small smile. “I won’t be long. I just have to do a few things.”

“I’ll be waiting outside for you,” he nodded and left.  

You counted the cash in the till and blew out the candles that were lighting the room before following Claude. You locked the door behind you and turned to the butler with a smile on your face. “I’m ready.” Claude didn’t say anything. Instead, he just began walking. You followed him, trying to keep up with his fast pace. He led you to a carriage and opened the door for you. “Thank you,” you said, climbing in. Again, Claude remained silent as he followed you into the carriage. You guessed he wasn’t much of a talker. 

The carriage ride to the Trancy Manor was, of course, done in silence. Claude’s gaze occasionally flickered over to you but otherwise he kept his eyes outside. You were too busy watching the scenery. You had never been this far away from home before, so you were taking in everything you could see even if it was just grasslands. As you approached the Manor, your eyes widened. It was beautiful. You never knew a home could be that big. “Wow,” you muttered to yourself. You admired the purple flower beds as you approached further. The beautifully cut grass and hedges amazed you. Whoever was responsible for such creation was truly amazing. Finally you reached the entrance to the Manor. Claude stepped out of the carriage and held his hand out for you to take. You obliged, taking his hand as he helped you out of the carriage, your eyes darting along the windows that littered the front of the Manor. 

“I’m glad you came,” a voice spoke. You were snapped out of your ogling by Alois, who had now joined you. 

You smiled at him before replying. “Of course I came.” 

“Come inside, my servants are eager to meet you,” Alois said giddily. He grabbed your hand and dragged you inside. 

You were greeted by triplets and a lady with an eyepatch. Claude followed slowly behind. 

“This is Y/N?” One of the triplets spoke. Alois nodded with a grin. 

“Very pretty,” another one mumbled, causing you to blush slightly. 

“Back to work,” Alois clapped suddenly, his gaze dropping to the triplet who had called you pretty. You watched as the four of them scurried around, picking up mops and buckets and going about their business. Alois turned to Claude and waved him off. He nodded in response and walked away. “Let me show you around.” Alois smiled, taking your hand in his. You blushed at his forwardness but nodded excitedly. 

“I’d love that!” You said eagerly. 

Alois smiled widely at you before dragging you along. He showed you the kitchen, the dining room, the studies, the spare bedrooms and his bedroom. He took you to a balcony overlooking the gardens and sat on the railing. “Be careful!” You said quickly. “Please don’t fall.” 

“I won’t fall,” Alois grinned. “And if I did, Claude would catch me.” 

You looked around, but didn’t see Claude anywhere. You shook off the comment and stood overlooking the gardens. “Wow. It’s beautiful,” you whispered in awe. 

Alois looked at you, his face holding a serious expression. “Not as beautiful as you.” 

You blushed profusely at his words and looked down at your feet. “T-Thank you,” you muttered. 

Alois just nodded in response, stepping down from the railing. He looked at you, admiring every inch of your body. “I mean it,” he whispered, closing the gap between the two of you. “You are more beautiful than any part of this Manor.” 

You looked at him. “Do you think so?” 

“I know so,” Alois replied. His left hand moved to cup your face, thumb stroking your cheek as he gazed into your eyes. Without another word, Alois moved his face to yours. He pressed his lips against yours firmly, his thumb still stroking your cheek. A hum of approval left Alois’s lips as he deepened the kiss, wrapping his right arm around your waist and pulling you closer. His lips glided across your own with ease, tongue poking out to lick your bottom lip. You opened your mouth, allowing him access. Alois happily obliged, his tongue exploring your own. He let out a moan into the kiss. When he pulled away, Alois continued to gaze into your eyes. “I’ve wanted to do that from the moment I saw you.” 

“Y-You have?” You asked, shocked. Alois nodded in reply. His bright blue eyes were shining as the sun dawned on the two of you. His hand dropped to yours, holding them to his chest. You could feel his heart racing.   

Alois was about to kiss you again when the door to the balcony swung open. “Dinner is served, my lord.” It was Claude. 

All Alois could do was roll his eyes, clearly annoyed that the moment was interrupted by his butler. Without a word, Alois dragged you off the balcony, through his bedroom and down the large staircase to the dining room. Sitting on the table was your dinner; steak, of some sorts, with a variety of vegetables and mash glazed with some form of sauce. You had no idea what it was, and how it tasted yet, but your mouth was watering at the sight. Being a ‘common’ civilian, you never got to eat expensive food like this. “This looks incredible,” you muttered as you made your way over to the dining table, sitting down eagerly and grabbing your knife and fork. Alois chuckled to himself and sat down next to you. 

“I’m sure you will find this meal satisfactory,” Alois grinned. He watched your eyes light up as you took the first bite. You immediately made a ‘mmm’ sound as you chewed on your food. 

“This is delicious!” You exclaimed, taking another mouthful. 

“You look like a child in a toy store,” He chuckled. He too tucked into the food in front of him, savouring the taste. Alois was enjoying your company all too much, so much so he didn’t want you to leave.  

“This is unbelievable!” You repeated, completely devouring your plateful of food. It was gone so fast and Alois couldn’t believe you had enjoyed the food that much. He continued to watch you as he too finished his food, watching as you sipped on the wine that paired perfectly with your meal. 

When Alois was finished, he stood up and offered you his hand. You looked at him, blinking a few times before taking his hand. “I want you to stay with me tonight,” Alois said, his voice sounding almost commanding. 

“I-” you started. You wanted to reject him, but the desperate look in his eyes melted your heart. “I suppose I could stay in the spare bedroom…”

“No,” he shook his head. You tilted your head in confusion. “You’ll stay with me, in my bed.” Your eyes widened at his words. You were completely taken back by his bluntness. 

“I-I couldn’t Earl Trancy,” you whispered, a slight stutter in your voice. 

“I told you to call me Alois,” he said, eyebrows furrowing together. His demeanour changed, from a pleasant one to an almost threatening one. “You’ll stay with me in my bed, m’kay?” You nodded slowly, allowing Alois to drag you away to his quarters. “Usually after dinner, there would be dessert,” Alois spoke as he dragged you along. “But I have something else in mind.” 

He looked back at you, a sincere smile on his face. You raised an eyebrow. “What’re you thinking Alois?” You asked. 

“I think I should show you where you’ll be sleeping, should you marry me,” he blurted out, opening the door to his quarters. You were, once again, shocked by his words.

“Marry you?” You asked.

Alois nodded. “Of course.” He pulled you into his room, closing the door behind him with his foot. Almost immediately, Alois’s lips were on yours once more. His hands rested on your hips as he pulled you closer to his form, his warmth enveloping you. “You will marry me Y/N.” He whispered into your lips. 

You didn’t respond, just melted into the kiss. Alois’s hands squeezed your hips forcing you to gasp. He took this opportunity to shove his tongue into your mouth, exploring you without interruption. He pushed you back onto the large bed and you fell down with an ‘oof’ leaving your lips. You stared up at Alois as his hands flew to undo his shirt. He did so with precision, and quickly his shirt was falling to the floor exposing his pale, toned chest. Your mouth went dry as Alois climbed on top of you, his lips attaching to yours once again. His legs straddled your body, keeping you pinned down. “Alois, I can’t move,” you muttered against his lips. He didn’t reply, instead he shifted his body to trap you further, his lips trailing down your cheeks, to your jaw and finally to your neck. Alois sucked on the soft flesh of your neck, guaranteed to leave marks when he was done. “Oh God…” You whispered. 

Alois sucked at the tender spot above your jugular vein as soft mewls escaped your lips. “You are so precious,” he whispered into your skin. 

“I’m not,” you whispered, closing your eyes and enjoying the feeling of his lips on your skin. 

“Yes you are,” Alois hummed. His hand made its way to your dress, slipping underneath the fabric and stopping at your underwear. He hummed again as he teased your folds through the thin fabric, forcing you to let out a soft whine. He could feel your wetness pooling through your underwear, your body giving him the go-ahead to continue. Without hesitation he slipped two fingers under the waistband of your underwear, his fingers still teasing you. Alois began to use soft circular motions on your clit. 

“Oh God,” you whined again, bucking your hips up at the sudden contact. 

“Shh it’s okay,” Alois whispered to you. His fingers moved expertly from your clit to your entrance, a singular finger slowly spreading your walls for him. After a few thrusts of his forefinger, he slowly slipped another one inside of you. You gasped and gripped at the silk sheets below. “Does it feel good?” He asked softly, blue eyes searching for your own. Your mouth was open but no words left your lips, instead you just nodded.  

You let out an unexpected moan as Alois’s fingers sped up their pace, ploughing into you at an ungodly speed. “Alois,” you moaned. “I think I’m going to cum.”

“Good girl,” he cooed, pace never faltering. As soon as he spoke those words, you were gushing on his fingers, moaning shamelessly. Your face was bright red, lips parted as you came down from your high. Alois was staring at you, admiring the way your face scrunched up and relaxed as you came. “Wow…” he mumbled to himself. 

As you panted heavily, Alois began to unbuckle his trousers and remove them until he was completely naked. When his cock came into view, your breath hitched in your throat. He was slender, but huge in length. You helped as Alois bunched your dress up to your hips, his fingers slipping down the waistband of your underwear and pulling them down exposing your bottom half to him completely. You were self conscious and attempted to cover your cunt, but Alois stopped you before you had the chance.

“Don’t hide yourself sweetheart,” Alois smirked. He pushed your legs apart, licking his lips at the sight. His cock was as hard as rock, twitching at the sight of you spread out for him. “You look beautiful.” 

Alois climbed on top of you once again, lining his cock up with your entrance. He pushed inside of you slowly, stopping half way to let you get used to his length. After a few seconds, he pushed the remaining inches inside of you forcing you to let out a moan. Your hands flew up to his shoulders, grasping desperately at the flesh. “I need a minute,” you whimpered out softly. 

Alois nodded, his breathing uneven. It was as if he was trying not to cum already. After a few seconds, Alois spoke up. “I’m going to move now,” he whispered before slowly thrusting his hips. Despite his warning, you couldn’t help but let out a little squeak of surprise at his initial movements. Your squeak quickly turned into moans of pleasure, nails raking down his shoulders. Alois grinned, pressing his lips against your neck once more. His movements were erratic and clumsy but nevertheless he was making you feel good. His thrusts got harder and deeper with every passing second, pushing you further into a feeling of pure bliss. 

“Alois,” you moaned loudly. Your hips were now moving in sync with his, desperate to feel more of him inside of you. 

“Does it feel good, princess?” He asked, voice heavy with lust. You nodded excitedly. “I can feel you clenching around me,” Alois whispered into your neck. Your face flushed red from embarrassment at his words. “Rub your clit princess,” he whispered. 

You nodded, dropping one of your hands from Alois’s shoulders to your clit. Your movements were as fast and as clumsy as Alois’s thrusts, but it was still pushing you to your second orgasm. “I’m gonna cum again,” you cried out, throwing your head back onto the plush pillows behind you. Your movements on your sensitive bundle of nerves sped up until you couldn’t take it anymore, quickly removing your fingers before once again gushing, this time over Alois’s cock. 

“Oh fuck,” Alois whimpered, his thrusts becoming more erratic as your cunt clenched around him. “Gonna cum too,” he groaned. He grasped your hips tightly as he pounded into you a few more times before spilling himself inside. His hips stuttered and he moaned your name loudly, filling you to the brim completely with his cum. When he was finished, he lay on top of you, attempting to catch his breath. 

“That was…” you trailed off, a slight laugh filled your voice as you too tried to catch your breath. 

“Amazing? Unexpected? Erotic?” Alois asked, smirking. He rolled off of you and lay beside you, staring at the ceiling. “You know, when I was younger, I never thought I’d meet someone I wanted to do this with…” He paused, and you continued to listen. “But then I met you and my whole world seemed brighter. I know we’ve only known each other for a short time-”

“Extremely short time,” you interrupted with a huge grin. 

“Yes, an extremely short time,” Alois agreed before continuing to talk. “But I want you to marry me.” 

“Alois,” you started, propping yourself up on your elbows. “It’s too soon.” As soon as you said that, Alois frowned and his eyebrows knitted together. He was scared of rejection. “But, maybe we could go on some dates… You know, a courtship?” 

Alois grinned at your words. It was a no for now, but not a complete no and he was happy with that. He nodded, “fine, fine.” 

“Thank you,” you whispered, nuzzling into his shoulder. “I should really get some sleep, I have to open the tea shop tomorrow.” 

“Do you have too?” He pouted. 

“Of course I do,” you chuckled. “But maybe we could see each other again soon?” You asked. 

“I’d like that,” Alois nodded. You closed your eyes to sleep, but Alois noticed you were still wearing your dress. “Would you like to sleep in one of my nightshirts?” He asked, tilting his head to the side. “You can’t be comfortable sleeping in that.”

“Yes please,” you said shyly. Alois nodded and stood up, grabbing two nightshirts from his chest of draws. He threw one to you. 

Alois watched as you attempted to remove your dress, a smirk forming on his lips. “Need some help?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Yes please,” you mumbled. Alois made his way behind you and helped you remove your dress. It fell to the floor and Alois’s eyes widened. Your body was beautiful. Every mark, every curve… It was everything he had ever dreamt of. He felt a sense of arousal in his stomach, but he shook his head hoping it would pass. You needed to sleep. Once you were dressed in his nightshirt, you jumped under the clearly expensive covers and smiled at Alois. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he whispered to you as he got himself dressed. Alois watched as you closed your eyes and drifted off into a deep sleep. He followed you under the covers and, once he was sure you were asleep, pressed a kiss to your temple. “One day, you’ll be by my side forever Y/N. I promise you,” he whispered, pulling your body close to his. He closed his eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep. 

The next morning, you were woken by Claude entering the room and opening the curtains. “Breakfast is served, master,” he said stoically before leaving the room. He never stayed around for long, but this morning you were glad. You weren’t really dressed for such interactions. 

Alois sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “Would you like some breakfast before you go?” He asked, hoping you would say yes. You nodded. “Excellent. Let us get ready quickly.” 

He threw his legs over the bed and walked to his wardrobe, picking out an outfit for the day. As he was getting dressed, he looked over to see you struggling to tie up your dress. You looked at him shyly and grimaced. “Could you help please?” You asked. 

“Of course, my princess,” he smiled. He halted getting himself ready to help zip you up, hands tracing your curves. “You’re so beautiful.” 

You blushed. “And you’re so handsome.” 

Once you were both completely dressed, Alois grabbed your hand and led you down the large winding staircase to the dining room. A full English breakfast was awaiting your arrival. You sat down in the same position as yesterday’s dinner and began to eat. Alois stole glances your way, his heart clenching at the thought of you leaving him to go to work. You shouldn’t have to work. You should be by his side 24/7. When you had finished eating, Claude escorted you to the carriage, with Alois following sadly behind. Before you entered the carriage, he grabbed your arm and spun you around to face him. “Promise me, you’ll see me again?” His voice held a sense of desperation, his eyes looked sad. 

“I promise,” you whispered. “Besides. You’re more than welcome to come to the tea shop whenever you’d like, Earl Trancy.” You said his title with a smirk. Alois nodded and pulled you in for one last passionate kiss. He watched as you entered the carriage and waved until you had left the manor grounds. 

The long ride back into town was silent. Claude had been ordered by Alois to accompany you back to the tea shop and make sure no harm came upon you. “You don’t speak much, do you?” you said to Claude. He just looked at you. You sighed. Maybe he needed time to warm up to you. When you arrived into town, Claude helped you exit the carriage and escorted you to the shop. 

“Until we meet again, Lady Trancy,” Claude spoke to you, a smirk on his lips. Your eyes shot open at his words, not expecting the words to leave his lips. Before you could correct him, he was gone. 

You sighed and walked into the tea shop. Your heart was pounding as you thought back to the events of last night. You lit the candles carefully and opened up the shop, sitting in your usual place behind the counter reading your book. Life had been decent up until Alois had come into it, but you knew now that life was going to get so much better. You smiled to yourself and went about your day.

[notreallysorryxx]

#"Innocent Encounter"

Childe and Zhongli are so sweet to you. But do they have ulterior motives?

Characters: Childe (reffered to as ajax in this fic), Zhongli

Warnings: yandere, dark themes (kidnapping, obsession, stalking), childe (pfft-)

Notes: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, MY LOVES!!! (I've tried to post this like 4 times, but tumblr isn't working with me ig... 😒)

Words: 1.9k~2.0k

You enter the Fatui cafe for your regular morning coffee. As you get in line, in front of you, talking to the barista, stands a tall man with a tiny rat-tail poking from his nape. The little braid makes you laugh a bit as you notice Ajax, the barista and your childhood friend, looking continuously frustrated and the rat-tail man who is getting flustered.

“Unfortunately, it seems I’ve forgotten my wallet,” the man mutters.

“Well sir, I cannot give you service if you do not pay,” Ajax smiles at the man, clearly irritated.

At this point, you’re getting impatient. You decide to cut in, offering to pay for the distressed man’s coffee. You step out from behind the rat-tail man. You notice Ajax’s face turn surprised, obviously catching him off guard. 

“I'll pay for it!” you smile although you feel annoyed. 

You watch as the rat-tail man’s facial expression turns surprised.

“I couldn’t possibly make you pay for me,” he tries to talk you out of paying for him.

Ajax chimes in, not liking all the attention you give the man in front of him.

“Hun, don't waste your money on some forgetful stranger,” Ajax uses a sweet tone to mask his rude remark.

You ignore Ajax, insisting that it’s not a hassle to pay for the man’s drink. Eventually, he gives up on dissuading you. He allows you to pay for his drink, promising to remunerate you for your generosity. Rat-tail man turns around and sits at a table not too far away. 

You step up to the counter sighing in relief as you finally order a pumpkin spice latte: 2 shots of espresso, with 2 pumps of vanilla syrup, whipped cream with cinnamon on top and a warm cheese danish.

“You’re not gonna order your usual cookie too?” asks Ajax, a teasing look on his face.

“And be predictable? No thanks. Never let them know your next move,” You flash him a thumbs up and a smile.

In the background, leaning his head on his arm is rat-tail man staring intently at the both of you chatting. He smirks, feeling a wave of infatuation rush over him. He goes to pick up his drink. You don’t seem to notice, too busy talking with the barista. 

After getting your drink and food from Ajax, you sit at another table adjacent to the rat-tail man. You dig into your pastry and drink your coffee, noticing that Ajax threw in a chocolate chip cookie; your favourite. You smile at him to thank him as you stuff your fat ass face. 

Rat-tail man gets up from his table and approaches you swiftly. You barely notice him until he is sitting across from you at your table, and begins to speak.

“I’d like to thank you for paying for me although I’m a stranger. If it’s not too much, I’d like to know your name.”

“Oh-” you wipe the crumbs from your mouth, “My name is Y/N! You?” you take another bite of your cookie.

“Zhongli. Zhongli is my name,” Zhongli smiles as he sips his cup of coffee. 

Ajax notices the two of you talking. His jaw tenses at the sight, a jealous aura surrounds him so much that the customer ordering asks if he's okay. He masks his displeasure quickly, regaining a smile.

You smile back at Zhongli, the awkward silence palpable. He doesn’t say anything more for a few seconds; he inspects you closely as the silence progresses. 

"You’re quite the sight,” he murmurs.

“Calling me ugly?” You give him an annoyed glare.

“The complete opposite.” 

“No need for flattery.” You’re flustered a little at the sudden compliment.

Behind you, Ajax curses loud enough for you to hear. He burned his finger from suddenly spilling coffee on himself. You break eye contact with Zhongli as you notice Ajax in pain behind you. You rush over to check his injury, running his finger under some cold water. Unbeknownst to you, Ajax smirks at Zhongli. He’s amused by the fact that he broke up your bantering and Zhongli knows it.

Zhongli huffs, annoyed at the fact that his conversation with you was interrupted by the barista.

           After things settle down you check your watch for the time.

“Oh shit! It's 8:35 already. I've gotta split!” You hurriedly grab your bag as you rush toward the door. A tall figure stops you before you can exit. 

“Excuse me, rat-tail man,” you stare at Zhongli, unamused.

“Before you go, to make it up to you. Let me take you out to dinner tomorrow!”  

“Sure, whatever.” 

Ajax notices this exchange and glares at Zhongli. The two of you quickly exchange numbers and you run out the doors and straight to work.

Ajax pookie dookie bear<3

CHILDEEE I need boy advice I accidentally agreed to something :you

Ajax: You brought that onto yourself 

I was rushing T^T :you

Ajax: Just tell him you’re busy or something, pretend you have work

But he's taking me to a Panera Bread :you 

Ajax: That doesn’t mean you have to go

But food…. :you

Ajax: Can’t you cook?

We both know the answer to that :you

Ajax: Yk you could always let me cook for you

Like you'd ever :you

Ajax: You doubt me, princess?

Whatever lover boy, What do I wear tho? :you   

Ajax: Why not just wear what you normally wear?  

shorts and a tank top? :you  

Ajax: It’s not like this is important, right?    

Could be a future husband? Welp i gtg ttyl!!<;3 :you

Ajax looks at his phone irritated at your reply, which was hopefully a joke. He scrolls down on his screen and sees a message from Zhongli. He smirks and sets his phone down and begins to get dressed. He’s made up his mind and decided he’s going to follow you and Zhongli on your supposed date.

Arriving at the restaurant on time, you tell the host that you’re here for someone. They lead you to the table, handing you a menu. Zhongli is already browsing the menu, a drink in hand. He gives you a saccharine smile which you return. You sit across from him, grabbing the menu. You’re immediately drawn to the broccoli cheddar soup. Your mouth starts to water as you imagine the delectable taste of the soup. 

Ajax arrives at the restaurant dressed in a black tracksuit with his face covered by his hood. He sits near the bathrooms in a booth where he can observe the two of you without you noticing. (He ordered some apple juice if you wanted to know.) 

The waiter comes by your table a few moments later, jotting down the order. An awkward silence falls over the table as you’re left alone with Zhongli.

“What did you order?” he asks, tilting his head.

“Did you not hear me order?” you tease.

A random man wearing a black tracksuit walks past your table. You don’t pay much mind to it but you can't help but think he felt slightly familiar. You watch him as he sits at another booth. Zhongli notices your abrupt loss of attention, following your gaze.

“Is something the matter?” Zhongli asks.

“Oh no!” You say sheepishly “That person who walked past seemed familiar. But it’s probably just a trick of the mind.”

“Have you been getting enough sleep?” Zhongli laughs.

“I feel like you have a tendency to insult me,” You give him a playful glare as you laugh to yourself. Zhongli blushes at the sight. 

“You know that's not what I meant- but..ahem, besides that you have a beautiful smile,” Zhongli compliments.

You blush at his words. 

“Yours isn’t too bad either,” You manage to cough out the words despite your embarrassment. You can't help but notice how handsome the man in front of you is. Tall, well-built looking, pretty face the list could go on. To save yourself from sitting in a puddle of embarrassment, you decide to excuse yourself to the restroom. 

“I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” you say, standing up hastily

Zhongli offers an understanding look, nodding, “Take your time.”

You mumble under your breath while walking passed Zhongli. You don't notice that he heard. He let out a little chuckle as you belined towards the restroom. You pause as you glance at the mysterious person sitting in the booth. It takes you a second before you realize who it is.

“Ajax? What are you doing here?”

He takes his hood off, smiling sheepishly, “I was hungry, so I decided to get something to eat. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

It’s odd to you, but you give Ajax the benefit of the doubt. He’s your childhood friend, you should trust him. He wouldn’t lie to you… right? It was just a coincidence. After all, this restaurant was pretty close to his apartment.

You shrug, entering the bathroom. Behind you, Zhongli has made his way to Ajax’s table. He glares at the man recognising it's the barista.

“Hello Ajax,” A murderous smile appears on his face, a mound of annoyance coating his words, “May I ask what brings you here?” 

Ajax's jaw tenses as he glares up at Zhongli standing before him.

“Just grabbing a bite,” Ajax smiles sweetly.

“Really? What a coincidence,” Zhongli’s words are filled with noticeable malice.

Zhongli swiftly grabs Ajax by the collar. “I would appreciate it if you would back off. I've noticed your little games and it’s not cute.” 

“I don't know what you're talking about” Ajax smirks and shrugs cockily.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. They’re mine.”

“I've known them way longer than you. Who the hell do you think you are swooping in and calling them yours, you just met yesterday you don't know shit.”

“So what if you've known them for a fucking millennium.  If you wanted them you should've gone and fetched the bone while the meat was fresh.”

The tension was so thick you couldn't cut it with a chainsaw even if you tried.

“Um, what are you guys doing?” you ask, stepping back into the dining room.

You’re puzzled by how they’re acting, wondering if something is wrong. Zhongli lets go of Ajax, letting him flop unceremoniously back into his booth.

“Nothing. It was just a friendly chat,” Zhongli reassures you, glaring back at Ajax, “Right, Ajax?’

“Right,” Ajax smiles looking back at Zhongli. 

“You guys are acting strange…” you mumble, looking between the two. 

Had they met before? Why were they constantly at odds?

“It’s nothing, Zhongli here just has a problem.” Ajax passes Zhongli a note without you noticing.

Somehow you’re able to diffuse the situation, sitting back down at the table you and Zhongli were originally sitting at. Your meal arrives and it looks delicious. The both of you dig in and it only takes a measly thirty minutes for you to finish. Zhongli, ever the gentleman, pays for the meal.

“Would you like me to give you a ride home? I know you took the bus since you told me, and it’s rather crowded at this time of night with everyone leaving work,” Zhongli offers kindly.

You try to refuse, “That’s okay, I don’t mind the crowds.”

“No please, I insist. Wouldn’t you like to get home quicker? I’m sure you’ll have a busy day tomorrow at work.”

In the end, you take him up on the offer. But wait, how does he know when you work?  However, your mind is overwhelmed with exhaustion from your job earlier that day and you don’t second guess your decision.

Getting into his pristine car, you mutter your address and close your eyes. You trust him, letting sleep overtake you.

By the time you wake up, you notice you are not in your bed and there are shackles on your hands. Zhongli sits at the end of the bed. 

“Sleep well, darling?” he laughs menacingly just as you notice Ajax coming into the room. You gasp. 

“Hello, hun,” he says, smiling. “You better prepare yourself,” he says as the door shuts behind him.

[reveluving]

red lipstick ; adam driver characters headcanons

summary: because what’s sexier than seeing you in red lipstick? 💄

warnings: fluff, humour, slightly explicit (minors DNI!)

a/n: on an ADCU spree so I figured it’s the best time to write my own, courtesy of @safarigirlsp​ & @in-silks-and-flesh-and-leather​ for continuously feeding my obsession hehe! pls pls pls give their work some extra love!! and don’t forget to leave some sugar! ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ

» check out my full m.list!

✧･ﾟ Jacques Le Gris

Le Gris' own presence exudes confidence, ferocity, and allure, and his lady is no different. What better way to show the men who envy him the same way the ladies do with you than by bringing you the best of the best? He will settle for nothing less, especially when it comes to your comfort and the like, and he will know if they're not up to par.

Old-timey Jacques will indirectly criticize the maiden in charge, knowing they probably did so to make you seem 'less appealing' to your very own lover, but many seem to forget that he was extremely smart just as he was your doting husband. Just a quick exile over here, a simple repeat of his demand for the best over there and boom, he's back to being happy ol' Le Gris. Modern Jacques is no different, for he would easily purchase the shades you'd swatch and hum to yourself, knowing if he heard how much you liked it, he'd buy the whole store for you. Do you want them personalised, too? Go right on ahead!

And that's not a threat, it's a promise.

“You should never settle for anything less, ma chérie. I shall not allow it.” He’d chime in as soon as he sees your eyes sparkle at the new case with both wonderment and guilt. If you offer to repay him for his endless gifts, he will ask for your kisses, complete with the new set he’s given you, but ever the lover boy that he is, you know good and well it won’t end with just kisses.

✧･ﾟ Flip Zimmerman

Ever heard of the saying "the fortune favours the bold"? He doesn't need to hear from Stallworth that Flip has in fact 'loosen up' upon being graced by your existence. He does, however, preen in the knowledge that since knowing you, he's become bold. Well, bolder than he already was. Where has uncertainty brought him in life? But as much as he'd like to deny till the end of time, he's nearly done it before.

Keyword: nearly.

The day you met, he wondered if he had died in a shootout and met hell's personal It girl—no angel could pull off the devil's shade with pride the way you do. Had he continued to mask his hesitancy by returning your undeterred gaze, he'd be the biggest fool for letting you go.

He'd clock in work with your lipstick stains if he could. Public indecency be damned! He'd fight everyone and anyone if he hears another person talk about it as a form of embarrassment.

"S'not my fault you don't have a pretty girl to come home to." He'd shrug, though the wolfish smile told the poor bastard everything that he felt. Was he wrong? No. Was he going to fight Flip for publicly embarrassing him with the truth? Absolutely not; your husband would probably knock him out before the guy could even land a hit.

✧･ﾟ Clyde Logan

To think there were more red lipstick shades than he could count with his good hand. In all honesty, he really doesn't have a favourite nor does it matter if it's even red or not. That's not to say he doesn't care because clearly, he does, but only in the sense that it makes you happy. You are the professional in this particular field, after all. But best believe the happiness that heightens in him whenever you'd ask for his opinion.

Still, the colour red does, however, as the current generation says, 'hits different'. Unsubtle glances from his patrons were a normal occurrence but they never got any easier by the day. But, on the other hand? He’s the lucky son of a gun who gets to call you ‘his’.

But the man loves his kisses, and kisses he will get! With your frequent visits to the bar, you'll never let this man work without at least a peck on the cheek. Seeing his signature pout lift to the bashful smile we know and love (the audacity) takes no effort.

“Y’know just how to make a man happy, sugar.” He’d murmured against your lips, his sudden boldness not surprising you but instead, his customers, who were only giving him shit but also openly ogling at you not too long ago.

✧･ﾟ Kylo Ren

Whether you think of our ol’ touch-starved leader, the vampire, the knight, or whatever suits your fancy, Kylo will want nothing more than the top-notch of things for his darling, and your preference for lipstick shouldn’t be any different! He, in a way, is an embodiment of red—his passion for both his belief, his interest, and especially, his devotion to you. So, to see the very same colour he associates closely with, other than black, be embraced as your very own as well? He shouldn’t be surprised that most, if not all of his elation are sourced from you in general.

He’s a busy man, but he will not miss the opportunity to watch you apply your colour of the day with great care. He’s unconsciously smiling, lost in your melodic hum as his vow to keep you out of harm’s way grows stronger. He’s been through hell and back to survive, and he’d have no problem doing the same it’s to ensure you leave the danger zone unscathed. So, if something as simple as red lipstick makes you happy, then don’t be surprised if you see a new one even before your current one runs out.

And although all kisses are good kisses, don’t think he won’t pull you in for a real one once the smooching fest starts. You’re worried about leaving a stain? Don’t be! His men/subordinates don’t have the balls to point them out, knowing by doing so is a game over for them.

✧･ﾟ Charlie Barber

The man eats, sleeps, and breathes art, so it's knowing his beloved has her very own is a major plus! One would think nothing impresses him anymore, or at least, not as much as his own work, but oh, were they dead wrong. There hasn't been a day where the lipstick holder on your vanity table never makes him puff out his chest with pride. From the simple matte ones he'd buy after a random day at work simply because it reminds him of you, to the high-end bold to burgundy ones personalised with your name engraved on the case. C’mon, what harm would it do to him for paying a couple of hundreds for makeup as one of his ways to say thank you to his wife—his muse!

Charlie embraces this as your form of art; the shades, the textures, the right amount of shine or shimmer—just anything that screams you. Artistry performed best by his one and only.

And how could he forget about the polaroids you both have? Yours which has him covered in your lipstick stains and face in absolute bliss? His which were you kissing the area close to his happy trail, leaving the same shade colour to his toned body?

Yes, your husband's in paradise, indeed.

✧･ﾟ Commander Mills

Another hunk who really just finds your confidence in whichever you find is best is more than enough, because what's better than his girl's own joy? Even so, if red really speaks to you, then don't be surprised he takes advantage of it. If the numerous times you've caught him staring at your lips and even shamelessly holding your gaze doesn't tell you anything, then the instance he wraps his arms around you for a little while longer before pressing his lips onto yours definitely should.

And if we're talking about the whole time-travelling shebang and somehow, you had to make your own lipstick? Wowie. This man will scour every nook and cranny for the ingredients if you asked him to. Best believe he will find what you need!

If it means getting the opportunity to see you do your thing in your colour and being able to wipe off the accidental smear just after you've applied it, that man is on a mission.

˚ · . f i n . · ˚

You can tell that I lost my roll towards the end HAHAHA but if you’re wondering what lipstick in particular inspired me to write this, it’s:

ETUDE Fixing Tint in Analog Rose/Vintage Red

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored

PERIPERA Ink Airy Velvet in Full Red Brick (11)

[h3l-h31m]

✿࿐ Anything For My Favourite Lady

— ft ಌ Hades

— tw ಌ nsfw ಌ fem!reader ಌ camgirl!reader ಌ sugar daddy!character ಌ masturbation ಌ sex toys ಌ modern au

— summary ಌ you're his favourite camgirl and he's more than eager to spend all his money on you

Like every Friday evening the first thing he did when he came home from work wasn't to make himself something to eat, to take a shower or anything similar. No. Friday evening meant that he was finally able to watch your stream again, since this was the only day you'd be online.

Immediately when he came home he quickly got rid of his shoes and threw his bag into some corner of the living room, rushing into his bedroom and taking his laptop from the desk, sitting down on bed with it, turning it on and looking for your channel.

Lucky him, he just made it in time.

"Good evening, my darlings!", he heard your voice chime as soon as the stream started. Seeing you sitting on your bed, only dressed in lingerie made his dick throb, his pants slowly becoming too tight, being more restraining than anything else.

"You look stunning as always. Is this the lingerie I gifted you? Ah, yes it is", you answered his question he typed into the chat window, a cute giggle leaving your lips. "You're always so generous, gifting me things and donating so much. It already kind of feels like you're my sugar daddy", you joked.

But even thought it was a joke those words leaving your pretty mouth made his dick become fully erect in an instant. Gods, what he wouldn't give to be your sugar daddy, having you on all fours while he drills his cock into your tight, little cunt, hearing you mumble "thank you"s for the gifts he had gotten your previously that day.

His dick twitched in his dress pants just at the thought of how good your pussy would feel wrapped around his dick. A small groan left his lips as he palmed himself through the confines of his pants.

He was quick to unzip and pull down all the fabric so that his hard on was freed, his big palm coming down and wrapping around his shaft as his purple orbs were fixated on the screen of his laptop, following every of your movements as your hand worked the vibrator — another present of his — over you clit, making your legs shake and sinful moans escaping your lips.

©h3l-h31m — do not repost, copy, translate, modify or plagiarize in any form

[lambsouvlaki]

Hey its been a while are we gonna get more Jason and Andy and baby character who I’ve forgotten the name of

Much love tho I love your story

Jason and Sophie walked in from the rain. A chime played as they passed the threshold of the small shop and a wave of warm air enveloped them. Soft instrumental music played.  

He was holding his baby girl’s hand as she stomped along next to him with big exaggerated strides. 

“I like puddles,” she informed him seriously. 

“Then I have good news for you about the city we live in, kitten,” he said, and he pulled out a tissue to gently wipe her face. She scrunched up her nose but let him without complaint. 

She turned three in one month and was tall for her age. She wore her favourite yellow rain boots, a red tutu and green wool tights under her bright orange rain coat. Curly black hair frizzed out from under a yellow beanie. She was daddy’s favourite little traffic light. 

“Good morning,” a lady behind the counter called when they were done. They were the only people there. “How can I help you?”

“It’s mommy’s birthday,” Sophie declared. “We need presents.”

Jason picked her up and put her on his hip. She wrapped one arm around his shoulder and looked at the sales lady. 

The woman smiled. “Is it? And what are we getting for mommy today?”

“A flower cup.” 

“What are flower cups called, baby?” Jason asked.

Sophie stared back at him, unimpressed. 

“A big flower cup.” 

He rolled his eyes.

“A vase maybe?” the lady suggested.

Sophie sniffed. “Marlow broke the blue one with his tail.”

“Then right this way, miss, let me show you what we have.” 

Jason put her down and she marched with purpose to the clean white shelves with vases and beauty products on them. He told her not to touch any of them until she decided and then wait for him to come and get it.

“She’s a treasure,” the lady said conspiratorially to him.

“Yeah.” He smiled at his daughter. She had stuck one knuckle in her mouth and studied her options seriously. 

“Did you have your eyes on anything else?” the lady asked. She casually rearranged her hair. 

“You guys have spa packages, right? Massages and skin treatments, all that stuff?”

“Of course,” she said, sliding back behind the counter. “Are you looking for a couples experience or…?”

He shook his head. She leaned forward on the desk and produced a pamphlet and explained their offerings. 

He wanted the best, most premium experience for Andy, but by the looks of things that was some kind of clay body wrap thing. She didn’t like the texture of clay masks on her face. She still did them, but it was with dread and resignation every time. This was meant to be relaxing for her, not maintenance, but the kind of pampering she secretly liked but would never buy for herself. 

“This one.” He pointed to the menu. “With all the add ons please.”

“She’s a lucky lady.” 

“That’s the idea.” His lips turned up in a crooked smile. “I’m the lucky one really.” One weekend’s worth of pampering was nothing compared to the joy she brought to his life. The amount of bs she put up with for him. 

The lady cooed. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Not a lot of men put the effort in, you know. You must be an attentive partner.”

His head snapped around to stare at Sophie. She snatched her hand back from a tall glass vase. He narrowed his eyes and she held her hands behind her back and bit her lip. 

He turned back to the sales lady. She looked a little disgruntled.

“So that’s the Day Dream Package for your wife. And what can I get for you?” 

“It’s not my birthday,” he snorted. And Andy wasn’t his wife. 

The lady bit the end of her pen. “Doesn’t mean you can’t want anything.”

He paused. He did want something. 

He looked back at his daughter. She was camped in front of the vase she wanted, her arms crossed and her expression a tiny copy of her mother’s. She waited with what looked like patience but was really iron resolve. Once she knew what she wanted she would not be moved until she got it, no matter how long she had to wait. 

“Sophie,” he called. 

“Yes?”

“I’m going to propose to your mom.”

The lady looked to the heavens. 

“Okay,” Sophie said. She pointed. “I want this one.” 

“Good choice honey,” he said, and swung her up into his arms. “She’ll love it.” 

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hey, i was wondering, does anyone else fixate on a single song choice? I typically get super fixated on a song, multiple songs, or an artist, especially when they fit my original characters to some extent.

But another thing i noticed was that before my autism diagnosis, i had multiple therapists point out that i constantly turned to music or things i'd written online, or even just rambling about my OC's.

It seems like i typically get attached to things that are forms of art, like video games, music, artists who draw my favourite characters, or just fanart of my current hyperfixation 😅

I was curious on whether anyone else has had similar experiences, or has their own 2 cents they want to throw in 👍

(Also, i am so sorry that this is long)

Hi there,

It’s funny you mention this because I literally had Justin Bieber’s song “ Sorry” today. That was probably echolalia or something idk.

About the song thing, I listen to the same song on repeat. I did as I kid too.

Your focus on art might be your special interest. Since you get so focused on anything related to art.

This is just my thoughts. Maybe some of my followers can chime in too?

Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/Night. ♥️

[short-black-diamond]

Hi im not sure if you like him but could you do bf hcs for luna from blue lock if thats okay? Thank u

ok I think he's a side character?? Wasn't he in world five...?

Ok I'll try my best!! also I don't think I will ever do headcannons, I prefer writing stories, love. I hope that's okay with you :D

---

Bf headcannons with Leonardo Luna !

Okay, to start off, I think you two met verrryy randomly in Spain. He gives me the vibes that he likes fish very much, and so, you two met at the fish market.

I can just imagine following scenario:

Loud voices were heard, where people either yelled "Everything on slae!", "Don't you dare drop that!", "Moooom!?", and "Come here, try things out!" (->I heard that from personal experience.)

Amidst the people selling and bying, kids running around, and elders sitting somewhere and chatting, Luna went to his favourite fish shop. There, he saw a dilemma.

A pretty person, you. His cheeks took on a rosy hue the longer he stared at you, but when the seller yelled at you to scram, you yelled right back.

"My family are patrons in this shop, and never got any one of us treated that way!", you exclaimed. And in the next moment, an elder looking man stepped in, with a mean snarl towards the new employee before catching sight of you.

"____! What a surprise! How's college?!", he yelled happily as he strutted towards you to hug you. You hugged him back with a frown.

"College is good, but not that new employee you hired.", you stated, glaring at the guy. He started to sweat. Next to Luna were two elderly people who only shook their heads in dissappointment.

"It's always the same with that boy...", the first one muttered, and the other one chimed in. "Yes, the boy thinks he's so high and mighty by working here that he's forgetting his place."

Luna kept looking at the scene, also at the types of fish.

"What?! What did you do this time, boy?!", the elder man explaimed, gritting his teeth at the younger man. You looked at the boy in arrogance.

"He can't even cut the fish properly. I told him to not cut off the head, but he did anyways. He also didn't riü out the spine. And now, he wants me to pay 50 Euros for cutting a 500 gramm light fish. That is simply ridiculous and disgraceful."

"That's it, you're fired!", the elder man exclaimed. "Pack your things and leave!"

You smirked at the outraged expression of the clerk who left. "I'm so sorry, ____. He's always been a pain in the ass...and now I don't have a helping hand..."

Luna and you spoke up at the same time. "I can help!"

You looked back to the guy in surprise. "Wait, aren't you...?!", you started, thinkin, and Luna shook his head in worry.

"Ah, nevermind."

Luna let out a small breath of relief. He loved going to these markets, but he hated getting recognized. And he also loved the fact that you didn't call him out.

however, he held his breath again when the owner of the shop looked at him with a frown. "Wait...I know you...!"

"Y-yeah...?!", he asked, hoping that tha man wouldn't say anything about him bein Leonardo Luna.

"You're also freqzent visiter, aren't you?! So you should know how to cut fish as well! If not, than our ____ here can help!", the man explained, and Luna sighed again.

"Two new workers instead of one!? That would be great!", the man exclaimed again before he told you two to meet him again after giving you both your fish.

Okay, and here would be where they are getting to know each other.

"So, you love going to this fish market, but you don't like getting recognized...", you muttered, feeling sorry for almost blowing his cover.

"Yes. I really do. This market is particularly close to the ocean, so that is a huge plus when you want fresh fish."

You frowned at him. "But, do you even live here in the area? And why do you even need that job?", you asked as you were sharpening the knifes in the kitchen with him.

"I know that I am actually filthy rich, but I wanted to work somewhere else besides playing soccer. And I love fish, so I'm glad I got a little part-time job here.", he answered with a smile.

You nodded in understanding. "My name is ____ ____ by the way."

"That's a cool name! Do you actually work to pay for college, or..?"

"I got a scholarship, but my family is in slight debt. If I work here for a few weeks, then we can pay everything in no time."

...

And through the smell of fish, hands filled with blood and some of the fishes eggs (y'know these orange or black or red little balls), you and Leonardo grew closer.

You two shared some funny stories as you sold the fishes, and your harmonized teamwork made the atmosphere in the shop wonderful, making people want to visit more and more.

And then, on the last day of Luna's workday, he asked for your number. "I..I really like you, ____. And I'd like to stay in touch...", he muttered shyly.

you blushed, but you gave him your number nonetheless. "call me soon. Tell me when you're done travelling...I'm gonna miss you, you know?"

And since then, you were alone with your chef, the owner of the shop. He became like a second father to you, and he also teased you for not confessing first.

"I didn't know when the right moment was, Tio!", you exlcaimed. He only laughed. "It's never the right moment with you younglings! I'm glad he confessed though."

Suddenly, a person stepped in. It was a cold winter day, and you were still cutting the fish. "Hey ____.", Luna said as he took of the scarf which covered half his face.

"Luna..?!", you whispered. You ran towards him and hugged him, but you didn't touch him. "Sorry, I'm covered in fish...", you muttered, but Luna didn't seem to mind as he held your with fish-blood smeared face and kissed you gently.

"Finally!", the owner yelled in happiness, and the customers were surprised.

...

Long story short, Luna led you to many restaurants, flew around the world with you for a bit, and you two got together.

He was such a gentleman. Gifting you expensive looking flowers, buying you some of his merch after he saw you with a Loki Keychain (he's still pissed abt that) and overall was a very gentle lover.

When he'd be tired from work, you'd be there to cheer him up over the phone, or whenever he did a surprise visit, you'd either massage him, or cuddle with him.

He doesn't really know how somebody like you could be together with someone like him at first, because he couldn't control his usual arrogant and sacrastic self. But, it turned out that your sarcasm rivaled his and you were just as arrogant as him in certain aspects.

He loves it when you are being arrogant and sarcastic to the haters in the comments, and he always laughs when you tell him what they answered. He loves it when you comb your fingers through his blonde hair, and he always leans into your touch with a smile.

He enjoyed spending time with you, and he hopes that he can someday be more than just your boyfriend.

---

Sorry if that wasn't what you requested, because writing for side characters is actually tricky...

But it was fun to write, and I hope it was okay for you.

Read you in the next post!

[amillieaway]

prompt: meet me at midnight

“If I were a character in one of your books, who do you suppose I would be?”

Draco roamed the fire-lit room, running his fingers over burgundy and sage spines with silver and golden letters that reflected the flick of the flames.

Hermione lowered her novel to her blanket-covered thighs, chewing her lower lip. “Hm… The cruel prince, perhaps, cursed for his wickedness. Given a year and a day to find the love of his life to undo the spell.”

“Rather drab, isn’t it? Expecting a man to fall in love to repent his sins. What if he were to donate a fair amount of his fortune to charity? Or devote his time to brewing potions that cure deadly diseases?”

She shot him an affectionate look, though he was facing away from her and couldn’t see it. “Who do you think you’d be, then?”

He made a soft deliberating noise. “A romantic hero.”

She burst into laughter.

Draco tossed an irritated look over his shoulder, lips quirking. “I’m rather romantic, thank you very much.”

“Rather,” she confirmed, sitting taller and wrapping her arms around her knees. “Please go on, my romantic hero.”

“Yours then?” He lifted a brow, though they both knew he’d never truly belong to anyone else. “I’d be the sort who’s unliked by most. Underestimated always. I would lurk in the shadows and commit petty crimes for the fun of it. But also slip notes to the healer’s daughter, asking her to meet me at midnight so we can run away together.”

“And pray tell, where would you take her?”

He sat at the end of the spacious sofa, tugging her calf until she stretched her legs over his lap. His hand slipped beneath the blanket, thumb tracing a halfmoon over her bare kneecap.

“Anywhere she wanted to go,” he decided in a velvety voice. “I’m a romantic hero, remember? I care only for my runaway girl.”

“But she loves his ambition the best. The last thing she wants is a quiet life in the countryside. Or else she would have married her childhood sweetheart and had ten children on a duck farm.”

Draco wrinkled his nose.

“I’d make a fine prince, I suppose. Though not a cruel one.”

“No?”

He shook his head. “A rebel prince, but not the heir. A devilish spare. So I could marry the bookish maiden who rescues kittens from rainstorms and hands out loaves of bread to hungry children.”

“Not very rebellious of you. She sounds like a saint.”

“There’s a twist.”

“Isn’t there always?” Hermione was grinning widely now.

“She’s cursed, you see.”

“Oh dear.”

“She becomes a monster at night. Grows ravenous and eats his favourite pudding and demands he shag her until he can’t feel his bones.” He shot a pointed look at the lux cauldron cakes spread out on the rustic coffee table, more than half devoured alongside a pint of sparkling lemon cordial.

“Our poor prince.” She tutted, kicking his thigh with a mock-derisive look. “Perhaps she leaves him then. When he’s boneless and his pantry empty.”

“One would think…” He released her leg, encircling her wrist instead and coaxing her onto his lap. “But she loves him terribly.” His eyes grew soft, shining nearly as bright as the gilded storybooks encompassing them. “And he’s an ambitious bloke, remember?”

“Ambitious and romantic.”

He hummed in agreement, gaze dropping to her mouth. “He would do anything, give anything for her.”

“Anything?” she breathed, curling a lock of blond hair around her finger dotingly.

“He’d be anything for her,” he resumed, leaning into her touch. “The hero in every novel, or the villain if she wishes. The prince, the rebel, the romantic.”

The distinct, melodious chime of the antique grandfather clock resounded around them.

Twelve bold strikes as her prince, rebel, romantic spilled kisses over her like adventures on a page, one for every possibility, and one for the simple truth.

xx

[sflow-er]

Regarding your August and justice reply, I don't think you take in consideration what August wants when you say you hope he gets helps and realises he's been damaging others. Especially because he is well aware of the long lasting damages he has caused and other than being scared of being found and facing consequences, he hasn't shown to regret or be sorry for the pain and suffering he's responsible of. He's sorry his wrongdoings could cause him problems if found out.

I don't think he'll get any kind of judicial nor poetic justice. I think he'll be shown to kept in his way for the rest of his life, maybe not protected by the crown, but he won't let go of his habits not because he can't be rehabilitated. But because he doesn't want rehabilitatio. And you cannot help someone who doesn't want to be helped.

That's my favourite thing about August, actually: he is conscious of who he is and I don't believe anything can change his ways. Not even love. Opposite to Wille's journey where love changed it all.

About sullying wilmon's eventual happy ending? I think they deserve to be happy away from August's perceived toxicity but also, being away from him would be the only justice they could get.

TL;DR: I think August represents traditions and the nobility and that cannot be changed. Because they don't want to be changed. Just as August who enjoys his 'bad ways' and which make him such a compelling character to other too good characters like Simon or Wille.

I assume you're the original anon - thank you for getting back to me! EDIT: I stand corrected! Thanks for chiming in, August anon 2!

I understand your position, and I agree with parts of it. I'm going to put a cut here in case someone sees this who doesn't want to read any speculation on S3 - I wouldn't say there are any spoilers below, but I don't want to ruin anything for anyone.

The start of your text actually aligns with what I mean when I say August doesn't fully understand the gravity of his actions or regret the harm he caused to Simon. I just don't believe he understands the long-lasting damage he caused. I think August's demeanour when the damage to Simon comes up and sometimes even when talking to Wille suggests that he doesn't truly get why people are making such a big deal out of the video. He wanted to hurt Wille and Simon, he understands that he succeeded, and he understands that he betrayed Wille. However, I think there are many aspects to it that he, as an incredibly privileged and emotionally immature straight man, simply cannot understand. Such as the fact that the video will come up for the rest of Simon's life when applying to jobs and such, or that outing Wille to the world and subjecting him to homophobic hate etc. was nowhere near proportionate to Wille's humiliation of him in front of their peers. We agree that August hasn't shown much remorse. I do think it's possible he feels some genuine regret for the pain he caused Wille, who is a member of his family and someone he was meant to be loyal to, because that's the kind of damage he's been taught to consider. But he doesn't feel as much regret on a more general human decency level, especially for Simon. You are right that most of his regret is purely based on his fear of punishment, and that isn't the kind of regret that can lead to emotional growth. As to your points about August not wanting to change his ways... It's true that he hasn't wanted to so far, but I reject the idea that he couldn't still realise he needs to. The fact is that August already voiced to Sara in S2 that he felt like there was "something wrong inside his head" and that he felt like "the worst person in the world", and he clearly wasn't doing well in between Lucia and the start of their relationship. If he ends up back in that headspace in S3, after the experience of having been expected to take responsibility for the first time in his life and without the miracle solution of the crown being dangled in front of him... I do think it's still possible for him to reach a point where he finally chooses differently. Whether that's him hitting rock bottom, being forced to talk to a counsellor as part of a legal punishment, realising that the breathing exercise Sara taught him and potentially having to care for Rousseau helps him, or something else. On that note, I would also like to push back just a tiny bit on what you said about love changing everything for Wille and nothing for August. Simon's love acted as the catalyst for Wille's change, but the change only happened when the internal processes sparked by that love and his own betrayal of it had run their course. He also needed counselling to get there.

We don't know yet if Sara's love or August's betrayal of that love ends up catalysing anything in him. Not in terms of winning her back, but in terms of highlighting the contrast between her kindness and desire to hold him accountable for his failings vs. his own and his family's unkindness and lack of accountability. That remains to be seen in S3.

As you said, the alternative is for August to stick to his bad ways for the rest of his life - and as I tried to say without saying it directly, I fear his life may not be very long if he does. We've already seen him physically punishing himself for his failings, both with overexertion and not eating, so we know he is prone to self-harm. He's also addicted to the ADHD meds, just like his father was addicted to whatever it was. We know Carl Johan chose to take his own life in the face of ruin, and that August idolises him and must've been brought up with the same kind of worldview.

So, August is displaying some serious warning signs of going down the same path as his father, and unless we get at least some signs to the contrary before the credits roll on the finale, I don't think I personally can find any joy in his defeat/fall from grace. Again, I don't mean we need to see his growth in the show or that I want to see him forgiven by his victims in S3. They certainly deserve to be rid of his toxicity, and even if he does decide to change his ways, he's got a very long road ahead.

But I understand that you feel differently and place more weight on August not wanting to change! It's a very good point that he represents harmful traditions and the nobility, and any change he undergoes would also represent some kind of change to those institutions. Liking his character as the toxic relic that he's been thus far is extremely valid.

Personally, I think August realising that he needs to break free of the toxicity would be a way of 'breaking the wheel.' Either showing that these institutions can be changed after all, similar to how Wille started enacting change at Hillerska in S2 when he encouraged the first-years to rebel...or simply showing again that these institutions hurt even the people who seemingly benefit from them, and when freed, even they can grow and heal.

Please know I don't mean to invalidate your stance in any way! I think it just comes down to the types of conclusions that the show wants to leave us with.

[As a final sidebar, I have to say that I respectfully disagree about Simon and Wille being "too good characters" as you put it. I think they have some morally grey sides as well, the same as most other characters in the show, which is what makes them so very human. But that's a whole other discussion!]

Phew, this got really long... I'm not even going to attempt to summarise it but I hope it made sense. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[liesmyth]

hi, i've been following you for a while now because it seems we have similar taste in media (especially thematically). an agonizing event occurred last week that's left me somewhat selectively mute and unable to work. i can't find joy or interest or love for anything. the locked tomb has always been there for me during my lowest points (me and harrow are like this 🤞) but i'm in such a horrible place that not even muir is helping. i love reading your TLT metas and trust your judgement based on those, so i was wondering if you had any recommendations for books/media that deals with grief and loss in fantastical settings. or just big, messy, taboo feelings in general. i'm looking for anything at this point.

Hi anon, sorry to hear this and I really hope you feel better soon. I'm sending you a big hug if you want it and I'm thinking of you very fondly. I'm not sure I can recommend exactly what you're asking for but I dearly hope some of these can distract you a bit. Please let me know if you want further content warnings + if anyone else has recs, feel free to chime in!

The Screwfly Solution by James Tiptree Jr. — This is a short story that I reread about once a year when I really want something that'll hit and fuck me up. You can find it in full here. It's an apocalyptic short story, very haunting, and the last line hits like a punch in the gut. CW for gendered violence all over the place if that's something you'd rather avoid.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende — This is a generational saga set in 20th century Cile. It isn't sff, although it does have some magical realism elements, so I'm chetaing and putting it in here anyway. The first time I read it, it made me cry, and it remains my favourite Allende novel.

The Last Man Alive by A.S. Neill — A middle grade speculative fiction written in 1930s Britain, which is ostensibly for kids but, in the tradition of British children's literature, gets pretty fucking dark and creepy. It's about a group of schoolchildren and their teacher who survived a poisonous cloud that turned everyone else into stone, and by everyone else I mean the entire world. It gets pretty dark at times, and I remember being sucked-punched finishing the book and reading in the afterword what happened to each of the children who were the inspiration for the characters in the book. It's a very weird little novel, but also interesting in that "vintage scifi" vibe.

Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge — This is another middle grade novel and probably the lightest read of this entire fic; [spoilers ahead] it's about a changeling who doesn't have a memory of being made, and at first thinks she is the human girl she was meant to replace, and only slowly realises that something is wrong. It's ultimately a feel-good story but I found it bittersweet all around, and I think the themes of identity and self growth + the creepy fairytale vibes make it worth a rec in case you think it could help right now.

Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica — This is a book about the mundane day-to-day happenings in a dystopia where cannibalism has been legitimised as a form of population control, and large swats of people are regarded as subhuman and eaten. It's very bleak and more plot driven than character-driven, so I'm hesitant to rec it if your usual go-to is TLT; but I think the story does very good things with the tight narrator POV + there are themes of alienations from family, eldercare and anticipation of grief. It's definitely a story that fucked me up a bit.

+ not sff in the least, but I finished this book very recently and it's still on my mind: I recently read The Manicurist's Daughter, a memoir that's primarily about dealing with grief from the loss of a parent, and how grief can destroy a family + trying to reconnect despite that. It's not exactly engrossing in parts, and I'm not sure I should rec it here because I found it too slow-paced to count as a real "cathartic read" but there was something about the numbness after suffering a loss and the ugly side of it that really spoke to me.

+ not a book and I haven't watched it in years but I think you might enjoy Revolutionary Girl Utena if you haven't seen it already. It spoke to me in the same way some parts of TLT do (and it's very gay)

[crusherthedoctor]

Just wanted to chime in to say: you have every right to criticize those parts of the fandom that spend their time giving others grief and overall acting like sub-human beings for nothing more than a fictional blue hedgehog, and you shouldn't feel bad for being vocal about it

I think you did the right call in somewhat distancing yourself from the fandom and the series to an extent in order to concentrate yourself on things that make you happier. I know from experience that it's not easy, as I've also similarily distanced myself from Sonic for similar reasons, although I've thankfully never experienced the kind of harassment that you and others have faced

In the end spending too much time in an environment that is mostly toxic 24/7 will only do you harm and even run the risk of bringing out the very worst in those who live in it

You and I don't always agree on things and I'm certainly no perfect beacon on how to handle life in a fandom, so maybe I've got no legs to stand on so to speak, but for what it's worth just know that I'm on your side on this

People get so snippy over me constantly bringing up the community's infamous moments and bad habits, yet they never stop to consider why I keep bringing them up. Maybe I wouldn't need to if more people in the community actually learned from them and made a modicum of effort to get their shit together instead of acting like frustration in one's lane is somehow worse than an actual mob crying for blood. If no one brings attention to it, nothing will ever improve in it. But they don't want to improve, so instead it's Deadly Gang this and Deadly Gang that. After all, Crusher's not an artist, or an animator, or a translator. No, he's a fanfic writer, so what does he know about anything, amirite?

I have no more patience with the fandom. The current state of the franchise itself - with exceptions like Dream Team and Superstars - continues to alienate me, all the while everyone expects me to shut up and consume despite them always screaming about Pontaff Bad. The SA2 milking has made me more sick of something I didn't think I could get more sick of. A writer who didn't earn his position continues to be everywhere I look. Characters are having their importance and contributions ranked by power levels by fans and now the franchise itself it seems, given Sonic and Shadow's new throwaway forms as of recent. Eggman, my favourite villain of all time, continues to get desecrated piece by piece, in a way that might possibly stick in the long run, and my concerns about this and why the intention behind the Sage/Maria stuff doesn't matter either way keep getting dismissed as me being too dumb to understand the mere concept of nuanced writing.

I could get in everyone's faces. I could start shit and use my awful experiences as a flimsy excuse. But I don't do that. I focus on other things, like Paper Mario and Spyro. I turn to my own work to get away from it all. I create my own stories where I portray Eggman, and everyone else I use, to the best of my ability. I try to insert themes and meaning to my creations, regardless of how simple their premises may seem. I try to be productive during this period of disillusionment and isolation.

Yet this too is problematic. I'm told to stop writing, because "lol no one reads your shit".

I don't know what people expect me to do.

[kishimotomasashi]

A symptom of having been in the online Naruto fandom for a few years now and having Sasuke as my favourite character means that I’ve been incessantly exposed (at the very least, on Tumblr) to arguments about Sasuke not receiving his due justice, being condemned by the narrative for expressing anger at the crimes committed against him and his family, and how the ending of the Naruto manga completely dropped the ball regarding any and all of its political plot threads, leaving the status quo intact, and the only change regarding Sasuke in particular is that he is now complacent with it.

These are arguments that I entirely agree with! And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with their frequent discussion, seeing as Naruto is a very popular manga and new fans will take the place of the old ones. It doesn’t surprise me that the discourse hasn’t slowed down, because new people are discovering it and will want to chime in. This is fine and natural.

But for me, from the perspective of someone who’s been here a while and has seen talk of this happen over, and over and over and over and over again, it understandably gets a little... exhausting. Especially since, as far as I’ve seen, the discourse rarely goes outside of “here is how Sasuke was wronged, here is how the shinobi military industrial complex is fucked up”, and so it feels like I’m seeing less interesting conversations regarding it and more parroting the same universally agreed upon ideas over and over.

It’s just... boring. Because even when the discussion goes outside of “this is why it’s wrong” and enters “here’s how it should have gone” territory, I rarely see it go anywhere beyond “Sasuke should’ve remained angry” “Sasuke should’ve never gone back” “Sasuke should have rejected—“ etc, etc. Sasuke and the Revolution discourse rarely goes beyond Sasuke’s personal vindication regarding Konoha. And to me, it’s just... is that really as far as our imagination extends? Is Sasuke’s anger really the most important thing to focus on? Should anger be the main driving force behind changing a world that is undoubtedly unjust?

My answer to all of those questions is, obviously, no. And I’m writing this to explain why, to propose an alternative to the vindication tunnel vision there happens to be regarding Sasuke vs Konoha/Shinobi System discourse, that I believe even the ending of Naruto (barring chapter 700 and onward to Boruto) provides a solid basis for.

First let’s talk about chapter 699, and Sasuke’s decision not to stay in Konoha but to journey around the world instead.

Now when people talk about Sasuke’s journey, they mostly focus on the part where he calls it a “journey of redemption” and so a lot of discussions concerning whether or not he should have stayed in Konoha revolve around that line and its reasoning. It’s all “he doesn’t NEED redemption” or “oh please journey of redemption is bullshit, stay in Konoha to heal with your friends”.

Which is a damn shame because what he says in the panels above? Before the “you have nothing to do with my sins” thing? Is significantly more interesting. In fact, I consider it a monumental statement for him to make, indicative of his development; it’s the culmination of all he’s been through to get him to this point.

This line is Sasuke recognizing his own limitations related to the volatile emotional state he was nearly constantly in beforehand; Sasuke’s view of the world was incredibly selfish. It was selfish in the sense that his own goals mattered before anything else, that anything slowing him down in his hurry to reach them was an obstacle; it was an incredibly unhealthy view of the world, one that ended up making him hurt himself and others. That his goals are sympathetic and understandable doesn’t really change the reality that he did put himself in danger and was a danger to those closest to him. When we meet him for the first time in Shippuden, at Orochimaru’s hideout, he says word-for-word:

“I don’t care what happens to me or to the rest of the world, so long as I can get my revenge. Nothing else matters.”

And even when the truth about Itachi is revealed to him, this doesn’t exactly change. It’s only his range of targets that expand, and what he did to get to those targets in the 5 Kage Summit arc are unarguably his lowest points in the entire series. While there is a double-standard regarding how Sasuke’s anger and hatred are treated in the narrative, it’s not incorrect to say that his laser focus on them were ultimately harmful in the end, and that to grow he could not continue to rely on them indefinitely.

In fact, Sasuke is always shown to be at his best when he’s not so angry his view of the world is only concentrated on what he alone can see. Sasuke when observant of others is kind, has compassion and understanding and a willingness to prioritize others’ safety: we see this when he protects Team 7 all throughout part 1, and when he protects Team Taka in the Killer B fight. When he’s not clouded by his own rage, Sasuke also has a better willingness to learn: when Itachi left him after their fight against Kabuto, he went out of his way to learn more about the village he’d come to justifiably despise, to understand Itachi’s own point of view, and to learn the point of view of those that had built it. Sasuke in general is someone who doesn’t accept things so readily and is constantly questioning things even when he’s set his mind to them, and he is also someone who does have a clear idea of justice: needless human suffering on a large scale is something he’s disgusted by (see how he reacts to Itachi before he learned the truth and to Orochimaru). When he’s truly of the mind to sit down and listen, that potential is increased tenfold. He came out from under the Nakano Shrine after speaking with Hashirama and the other Hokage seeing the shinobi system as something that causes needless human suffering on a large scale, and though he’s not quite at the ideal point yet, the idea to do something about it (to dismantle that system) is there.

And now here we are, chapter 699: Sasuke’s anger is no longer his main driving force, and he is learning to accept love back in his life, and what does he say? That he’s going to look at the world, now, with new eyes. That he’s going to take advantage of this new healing state of his, to properly observe the world because his perception of it isn’t obstructed by his unhealthy vengeance fixation anymore. Sasuke, who already has the capacity for compassion, who already has a sense of justice, who knows how to listen and observe, is now going to take the time to use these foundations to build himself a more expansive perception of the world. He’s showing willingness to look outside of himself!

Now before I talk about the point I really want to get to, I want to talk about anger. I know anger is often portrayed as something awful in many stories (including this one), as something that is a personal failing next to those who can just endure what is thrown at them with little complaint, and that it’s a narrow view of it. Anger is a very useful emotion, and sometimes a necessary one: anger helps you perceive injustice done to yourself or others, anger can help you prevent people walking all over you and help you to recognize that you’re not getting something that you deserve. I’ll never condemn anger.

And I don’t condemn Sasuke’s anger! I am very firmly in the “Sasuke was right” camp; I don’t think he has to kiss up to a government so cowardly it wiped his people from the face of the Earth in the dead of night, I think a system that can justify a crime that outrageous while it continues to perpetuate itself needs to be entirely dismantled. And I believe that though there are limits to how seriously you should take this shounen animanga, the fact that these plotlines were introduced in the first place as well as every other time shinobi militaristic violence was clearly shown as being evil but were given shitty resolutions means that it is both normal and in fact encouraged to point out that these introduced plotlines were given really, really shitty resolutions.

Though while anger and pointing out how wrong things are are incredibly useful, when you really want to start talking about revolutionary action, incentive to change the world, I think that anger alone is insufficient.

Specifically in Sasuke’s case, as I’ve said above, Sasuke’s anger is ultimately selfish. He sees how he himself was wronged, and that’s great, but like... he’s also not the only one who suffers under the shinobi system. He’s not the only one it’s brought incredible wrong toward. Even when he demonstrated growth during the 4th War and was willing to expand his own knowledge to better understand why Konoha exists as it is, he wasn’t sharing what he’d learned with others, he wasn’t reaching out to build connections, to build solidarity— he was working on his plan entirely alone.

(And yes, we can talk about how the narrative purposefully makes the villain characters seem more unreasonable though they have justified feelings on why the system cannot continue as is, but again, as I’ve said at the start, we’ve had those conversations at length already.)

I believe genuine change, the desire to see a better world, has to fundamentally come from the desire to see people in a better place, not from vengeance. I think to get there, you need to see how other people live aside from yourself, you need to work at helping them see their lives becoming better as well. “No one’s free until we’re all free”, etc. I think your outrage at injustice has to extend to everyone outside of yourself, and your fight against the injustice be also a fight for them.

As I’ve demonstrated, Sasuke in chapter 699 in the space where he can actually work at doing that, to work at doing direct, radical action. Travelling as he wants to do will introduce him to more people, to more perspectives, to more ideas on how to meaningfully combat the injustices of the shinobi system and to directly help people to escape suffering the worst of it.

Recently I watched the Sasuke Shinden anime, and though it was still incredibly imperfect in its politics, it introduced the idea of Sasuke doing the closest thing to everything I am saying right now: it introduces shinobi being forced to fight in a human trafficking coliseum, and Sasuke being told by one of the characters, Chino, that being an inactive third party to injustice makes you just as guilty to it, which leads Sasuke in the end to free all shinobi forced to fight in the coliseum.

It also introduced the idea (and I was genuinely surprised that anything Naruto-related was actually willing to go there) of the Uchiha Clan, and by extension Sasuke, being victims but also being perpetrators of the same system that got them killed. In Shinden, they were hired by a feudal lord to deport another oppressed kekkei genkai clan called the Chinoike (that Chino is apart of) to a land unsuitable for any human to live in, and rather than help the Chinoike escape this fate, they simply carried out the mission order, which caused suffering for the clan. While I don’t think that that plotline was handled as well as it could’ve been, it really hammers in the point of it being important to learn about the position and suffering of others and to do something about it, because despite your own suffering, your participation in the system that perpetuates it still makes you complicit. And Sasuke accepts this! When he learns about the Uchiha and the Chinoike, he relates it to when Chino told him about being an audience to injustice making you just as bad if you don’t do anything about it. I think Sasuke Shinden is a good, if imperfect, snapshot into the very potential I’m talking about.

In fact, all of this is why I really believe it to be important that Sasuke travels and works outside of Konoha rather than within it; because as we’ve seen with Nagato and Amegakure, being apart of the Hidden Villages themselves, fighting in their wars and participating in their ranks, makes you complicit in the crimes they commit against the other smaller nations. Everyone we’ve seen fight in the wars, the Sannin, Kakashi, everyone in allegiance with Konoha and yes, including the Uchiha Clan, share responsibility in the crimes the village commits, even if they’ve personally suffered at its hands as well. Nagato, Konan and Yahiko are certainly justified if they don’t care that your war buddy died in front of you since you both had a hand in the destruction of their village for your military village’s interests.

This is also why on my blog, I am constantly advocating for the potential Team Taka represented. They were all shinobi working outside of the framework of the Hidden Villages, with little allegiance to them, and given that Sasuke in the ending is open to apologizing for his behaviour and accepting bonds again, they could’ve easily travelled together again in the ending and done just exactly everything that I’ve been talking about in this post. And they could’ve become closer than ever!

I think it’s telling, in a way, that what finally got to Sasuke in the end was genuine empathy; acceptance to realize there are other people around like him, that might share what he feels, and this is done through Naruto, someone who saw his own loneliness in him but that Sasuke rejected because he felt (understandably) defensive that anyone should get how he felt at all. Sasuke healing in learning that he can understand people other than himself, safely, is a big step into learning to properly observe and accept others, and then that’s another step that could lead into genuine revolutionary consciousness.

My conclusion here isn’t that any of this was something Kishimoto was actually going for. It’s that despite everything, there are already interesting building blocks in Sasuke’s canon characterization in place where you could create a meaningful story about resisting oppression and fighting for change, one that doesn’t surround a myopic, vengeful idea of it. I dont think of that as an interesting path for Sasuke’s character, especially since he already spends most of the series with nothing but vengeance in mind. I think he has the potential to do better, and we have the potential to write fix-it stories in which he does better than that.