#part two coming... eventually!

[skyward-floored]

Happy appreciate a dragon day, more hdw au. This takes place sometime after this fic here, but beyond that I don't have the exact timing down. It doesn't matter too much though. (Injury/blood warning, also a bit of vomit)

This will have an eventual part two.

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

Link wakes up to his head pounding so intensely it feels like Darunia is stomping around inside of his skull.

He drags his eyes open with a groan, squinting against the pain, and tries to focus through the blurriness of his vision. Someone was talking, he thought, but the voice didn’t seem familiar. There was also a rag over his mouth, and Link grunts, wishing he could take a deep breath.

Where was he? What had happened?

He didn’t remember... much of anything, but he must have gotten here somehow. Wherever here, was.

Link focuses on trying to get the blurriness of his vision to fade, blinking and attempting to focus. It works somewhat, and his vision clears enough for him to see when a man walks up to him, a smirk on his face.

Uh oh.

“The glorious hero finally decides to grace us with his presence,” he says, and another blurry figure walks up, tearing the rag from his mouth.

Link winces, and someone laughs, and ice slips into his stomach. His vision focuses a little more, and Link looks around, taking in the dingy room, the group of men in soldier uniforms, the... tools on the table.

He can’t help but swallow at the sight of those.

“Where am I?” he demands, pulling at his tied wrists. They're already sore. “What do you want?”

“All kinds of things,” the man closest to him sneers. “Grant over there wants his hand back. Marc wants justice for his family. Me, I want to see a pretty scarfed traitor on his knees, screaming and begging before we kill him.”

Link’s stomach churns but he ignores it. “If you’re referring to me, I’m no traitor.”

The man laughs. “No? Bold words, considering who you are. Half beast. The son of the dragon that the sorceress had leading her army, a half-monstrous brat.”

Link pales.

“Who told you that?” he demands, still pulling at his wrists. A very small circle of people are aware of that secret, and he trusts all of them not to have spilled it. How does this man know?

The soldier merely crosses his arms, a smirk on his lips.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s obviously true though, one only has to look at you to know you’re not true Hylian,” he sneers, and Link bristles, ignoring the hurt the words ignite in him. “The son of the sorceress’s pet attack dog.”

“Volga did not join Cia willingly,” Link says coldly. “And his actions have no bearing on mine.”

“Don’t they?” the man says in a mocking tone, putting his face close to Link’s. “You’re the son of a murderer. I saw him burn men alive with his flames and then tear the corpses in half. He’s nothing but a scaly weapon that likes to pretend it’s a person.”

Link’s blood boils. His relationship with Volga is more than complicated, but that’s just wrong.

“Don’t talk about him like that!”

The man punches him in the face.

“You’re no better,” he scoffs as Link reels, pain throbbing across his face, warmth dripping from his nose. “Killing anyone who turns on you. Letting the sorceress use copies of you to kill your men. Letting a dragon fight at your side, knowing he’s a murderer.”

He draws his sword, and holds it near Link’s neck.

“You’re a beast, and you deserve to die like one.”

“Killing me won’t solve anything,” Link says quietly, resisting the urge to swallow. “Cia is dead. Hurting me won’t heal your scars. It won’t get your families back.“

“No. But your screams will be satisfying all the same,” the man sneers, and pulls his sword back. “Don’t worry, I’ll do it slowly. Shall we start with your hands? Maybe a finger or two...”

“How about we give him marks to match Caydin’s?” a voice says from further back, and the man with the sword grabs Link’s chin, tilting it to the side.

“Good idea. We’ll make his bigger though,” the man grins, and pulls a dagger out and sets it against Link’s cheek. “Maybe remove an eye while we’re at it.”

Jeers and laughs follow the comment, and Link takes a steady breath as the steel caresses his cheek, forcing himself not to react.

They’re looking for a reaction. And he won’t give it to them.

Even when the blade begins to drag down his cheek, Link bites his tongue and tries not to voice his pain. He won’t react. He won’t.

The blade just starts to flirt near his eye when a noise echoes somewhere outside of the room, distant but loud. Link is so startled that he forgets to force back a reaction, and he gasps as the blade digs into his cheek.

The man grins, dragging it down his face all the way to Link’s chin in a slow movement. A small whine escapes Link without his permission, and the man positions his weapon right beneath an eyebrow, eyes glinting maliciously. Link glares back at him, determined not to cower even though his cheek aches and throbs and there's blood tracing down his face and the blade is right over his eye and he’s trembling in anticipation of losing it.

Then a roar booms through the hall, and a dragon bursts into the room, half-destroying the doorway.

The man closest to him hisses with rage and snatches something off the table nearby, jabbing it into Link’s arm without any hesitation. Link feels a sharp prick even as relief hits him at the sight of Volga tearing his way into the room, and the man beside him looks...

...Smug?

The other men scatter with shouts and screams as the dragon leaps for them, blue eyes blazing. A single swing of his claws is enough to knock most of them out of commission, and the rest flee when he turns on them, the man who had been on the verge of removing Link’s eye narrowly escaping a blast of fire.

The room is quickly void of enemies, and Volga turns to Link, melting out of his dragon form and into a human one. He rushes over to him, and Link dazedly watches his eyes dart across his form, pausing on his bloodied face. Fury flickers in his gaze.

“Are you injured elsewhere?” Volga asks sharply, slicing away his bonds with a claw. Link is too stunned to speak, relieved and reeling from the events of the past several moments, and Volga takes his shoulders in his hands and gives him a shake. “Snap out of it Hero, are you hurt?”

“I don’t— I don’t think so?” Link says uncertainly, having finally found his voice. His arm hurts, and his face, and so do a few other parts of him, but he’s pretty sure he can walk. It’s nothing too serious. Hopefully.

Volga stares at him, then huffs and quickly removes his hands from his shoulders.

“Good. We need to move quickly if we’re going to get out of here. Follow me.”

Volga stands and turns, and Link gets to his feet, wobbling a little at the stiffness in his limbs. Volga starts moving though, so Link is forced to move to keep up with him, ignoring the pounding in his skull and aching legs.

He feels like someone got a rolling pin and went to town on him, aches all over his body, the pounding still keeping up behind his eyes. Link wipes some of the blood from his face, cheek stinging and throbbing, and he swallows. His chest feels tight as they move, and despite how he’d like to ask Volga exactly how he found him and got in here, he saves his breath for running.

His steps trail further and further behind Volga’s though, the odd tightness in his chest increasing, his legs wobbling the further they go. His arm starts to ache, then numb, and it hangs limply at his side. And as if that’s not worrying enough, his vision starts to wobble as well, especially when he turns corners. His more than certain concussion must be worse than he thought if he’s having this much trouble.

They reach some stairs and Link’s breath wheezes, and his steps drag more and more, despite how hard he tries to keep up through endless tunnels and passageways.

Finally, he can’t do it anymore.

“Volga,” Link coughs, leaning heavily against a wall, “V-Volga wait.”

The dragon stops and looks back at him, and concern flickers over his gaze as he strides back to his side.

“I-I just... need a second,” Link wheezes, and Volga leans down so he’s nose-to-nose with Link. He looks him over again, more slowly than the first examination he’d given, then breathes in long and slow. Link waits for him to say something, unsure of what he’s doing, and slightly afraid to ask. Is he... smelling him?

Volga’s expression suddenly darkens.

“...Safflina,” he growls, something flashing in his gaze. “They weren’t taking chances.”

Before Link can ask what that means, Volga lunges forward and pulls him into his arms, resuming his quick stride down the hallway. Link scrambles to hold on with only one working arm, head spinning from the sudden movement.

“Whoa, wh—”

“You’ve been poisoned, hero,” Volga says without looking at him, speeding his pace further. “Time is of the essence.”

“What? But... safflina isn’t poisonous,” Link says, blinking a little dizzily.

“There is a rare strain of it that is poisonous for dragons in high concentrations,” Volga says curtly. “But that knowledge isn’t well known. Those fools who captured you would have no method of obtaining such information.”

“So how did they..?”

“I don’t know,” Volga growls, his grip tightening just a little. “But it doesn’t bode well.”

Link frowns, then coughs, his breath a little tight in his throat. His stomach is churning now, and he goes a little more limp in Volga’s arms without meaning to.

Maybe it’s his imagination, but it feels like Volga holds him a little tighter.

Lantern light flickers off the walls as Volga’s steps pad rapidly through what Link guesses is an old outpost that got phased out of use. He’s not entirely sure, especially since his vision is being rather unreliable suddenly, but he can’t think of where else they’d be.

He wishes Proxi were here. She’d probably know.

“Hero, stay awake.”

Link blearily reopens his eyes, not even realizing he’d closed them, and sees Volga is looking at him rather intensely.

“You will not wake back up if you fall asleep, stay awake,” he repeats, and Link summons what strength he’s got left, trying to fight against the dizziness and darkness that threaten to pull him under. The torchlight flickering off the walls makes the space behind his eyes hurt, and keeping them open becomes a monumental task.

His arm stings and cold trickles into his chest, stealing his strength as it feeds. It’s merciless, and growing rapidly, and Link finds his eyelids falling no matter how hard he tries to stop them.

“Link,” Volga snaps, and if Link were more awake, he might pick up the fear in it. “Do not sleep.”

“F...ive minutes...” Link mumbles, and gets a shake for his trouble.

“No. Wake up right now,” Volga snarls. “I will not lose another to safflina, wake up.”

Link peels his eyes open again, dark blots clouding his vision. He can vaguely make out Volga’s face, see the horns on his helmet, but not... really. The blue of his eyes stands out, but that’s all he can truly see.

They look strangely panicked.

“Link your mother will kill me if you die, WAKE UP.”

Volga shakes him again and Link’s stomach revolts, bile rising in his throat. He gags, and the shaking immediately stops, a muttered curse flicking past his ears.

Link feels himself get tilted to the side as he vomits up what little is inside his stomach, weakly retching before falling limp with a pathetic whine.

Volga’s arms tilt him back the moment he’s finished, and hold him tight. Link thinks they might speed up after that, the sound of steps pounding in his ears. He feels dizzy and cold, throat burning, hurting deep inside. A twitch runs through him, and Volga shifts his grip, holding him even tighter, his arms radiating warmth.

And some long-forgotten instinct in Link’s mind recognizes the warmth Volga is giving off as safe, protection.

Maybe it’s the dragon in him. Maybe it’s the poison addling his brain, or the blood loss. Maybe it’s the way Volga is cradling him to his chest with a hand in his hair and still shouting for him to stay awake, even if the exact words aren’t really reaching Link.

But whatever it is, despite how horrible he feels overall, he also feels... safe.

So Link curls into Volga’s hold, and drifts.

[unamusedyams]

(1/4) What if Petey was able to rescue and rebuild AI Buddy? 🤖🐶

Mini Prequel Comic

Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4

[lilbitofsomthin]

Curly Talks Part 5 :D

Featuring Anya having played out a J*mmy murder scenario a couple dozen times in her head by this point.

Also I promise this is a hurt/comfort comic but we gotta get through the hurt first and Curly you fucked up bad 😔

[renmorris]

There needs to be an incest shipper-free space to talk about the similarities between Bill and Stan and what that means for Billford, because I feel this is a discussion that canon is already having that fandom is too nervous to acknowledge.

That’s a shame because it’s very realistic and is in my opinion crucial to understanding the components at play in his relationship with Bill.

So let’s talk about it!

Ford and Stan grow up in an abusive household, are minorities, are poor, are isolated from other children and develop an overly dependent relationship. This is very textbook we all know this, the show addresses this dynamic openly though only Stan says it out loud.

They separate.

Ford is taking to it better than Stan but still lacks the niche in his life that Stan played. Fiddleford is not really a substitute for that, he’s his own person. He (later) has a family of his own.

Bill fits the shape that Stan left behind, he’s boisterous, he enflames his ego, he encourages him, he makes him feel accepted and cared for. They’re the same personality down to the nicknames. And my god TBOB, really stresses the nicknames. Sixer is only used by Bill and Stan once in the entire show. The book is asking you to notice this.

Ford isn’t only naïve and vulnerable without Stan, he’s lonely. There’s a hole in his life that he pretends isn’t there because he has to make himself hate his brother.

Bill can fit into that place and Ford can love him for it and tell himself that no one has ever understood him like this. What they have has to be fate.

As Bill manipulates him the unfair caricature of Stan that lives in his head becomes even more warped, a thoughtless and childish burden. He seems like something that could never be compared to Bill, this force in his life that only works to lift him up.

It’s all very realistic. Seeking to replace a familial relationship with a romantic one isn’t unheard of. We all know this, usually it’s in a cruel joke about young women who look for men who remind them of their fathers. Here it’s a component of a story that’s asking you to take it seriously as tragedy.

[wasyago]

not drawing for others. not drawing for myself either. playing video games. okay? yay

[osamusriceballs]

Kinktober Day 27 <3

Ushijima x dirtytalk

Warnings: NSFW, fem reader

Words: ~ 2,3 k

Kinktober Masterlist II -> Next day

"Here, Wakatoshi-kun! Look at this!"

A phone gets shoved into his face, the brightness level way too high for comfort, but he squints to take a look at the screen. A small grunt leaves his lips at the lack of greeting from his red-haired friend, but he chooses to focus on the screen instead.

It's an Instagram post with a picture of him, one taken during the Olympics. He looks at the picture, confused, but then Tendou starts scrolling through the comments

"I'd combust if he called me 'baby' with that deep voice."

"Do you think he's vocal in bed?" Reply: "He doesn't talk much in interviews, so I doubt it." Reply: "What a waste. His voice is so hot."

"LOOK AT HIS ABS *drools*"

"The world is going crazy ever since you said 'baby' in that one interview!" Tendou wildly gestures with his phone still in his hand, his grin almost smug when he elbows Ushijima. A frown appears on the spiker's face as he tries to recall the interview. It was one that he wasn't too fond of, due to the number of personal questions that had been asked. Way too personal questions for his liking.

"Ushijima-san, do you have any plans to start a family soon? When can we expect a baby, a little Ushijima junior?" "Baby?" he had echoed, clearly taken aback by this question, something that the interviewer probably failed to notice, but to the people close to him, it was fairly obvious. The silence after this question lead to speculation on the internet about his relationship status, something that he has kept private so far.

"It wasn't in a sexual way." Ushijima states after skimming through more comments, raising his eyebrows when the messages get more explicit and vulgar. "I was surprised when he asked the question."

"Doesn't matter! The world is going feral now, everybody wants to be Wakatoshi's baby! And even I have to admit that I got butterflies when I heard you say that. Y/n is really lucky~" Tendou hums, mischief clear in his eyes, but Ushijima fails to follow his train of thoughts with this.

"Why is she lucky?"

"Because she gets you to say sweet and dirty things to her all day long. You can't fool me, Wakatoshi-kun; I'm not only your best but also your oldest friend." Tendou winks and strolls ahead, oblivious to the way Wakatoshi is left standing there with a frown on his face, still.

xxxxx

"Y/n?"

You rub your arms dry with a fluffy towel when his voice comes from the other side of the door.

"Hmm?" you hum, smiling excitedly because he is finally back home. "I'll be out in a second."

"Yes, please. We need to talk." You hear him lean against the door frame, clearly waiting for you to come out.

You freeze at his words, eyes growing wide when realization settles in and you fully comprehend his words. "Talk? Talk about what?" you know that you sound shrill and loud, but you can't help yourself but to feel nervous at his serious tone- even more serious than normally.

"About us." Your jaw drops, and you quickly reach for your bathrobe, hastily unfolding the fabric to its full length.

"What do you mean about us? Is there a problem with us?" You finally manage to pull your arms through the fabric, quickly wrapping the fabric along your body before you open the door. You're met with Ushijima's broad chest as he quickly straightens to his full posture. His olive eyes roam over your body, lingering for a short moment on your exposed cleavage before they return back to your face. He looks nervous, there is no other way to put it. "I'm not sure. I think there could might be a problem."

"And what would that be?" You cross your arms in front of your chest, your eyes boring into his face as if you could find answers for his unusual behavior there. You've never seen him like this before. His usual warm eyes are clouded with worry, his hands fidgeting with his phone in his hands. "Toshi? What is it? Please, talk to me." You're tempted to take the phone out of his hands, but you refrain from touching him, not when you don't know what's going on.

"Are you happy with our sex life?" His eyes don't leave your face, not for even the slightest second to see your reaction, and your jaw drops at the sudden question- you expected a lot, but definitely not this.

"I'm- I mean, yes I am? Shouldn't I be? Are you unhappy?" You take a slight step back, creating distance between the two of you, baffled by the sudden implication that he thinks that you're not satisfied. Or that he might not be. Sex with Wakatoshi is great- hard, rough, and passionate. He knows how to fuck you, that is for sure, but he also knows how to be gentle and sweet, how to take care of you and spoil you, especially during aftercare. You lack nothing in your sex life with him- and you hope that he feels the same.

"I am happy. Very. I enjoy sex with you very much much," he states firmly, but that only confuses you more.

"Why are you asking me then? What made you think that I could be unhappy?" You move closer to him, worry etched in your features when you finally take his phone and put it aside to grab his hands.

"Do you want me to talk more? To be more vocal? I saw a video and people kept on commenting how they want me to call them 'baby' and some more things. Would you like that too?" The way he asks nonchalantly like he was just talking about dinner made this even more embarrassing somehow.

"For you to call me 'baby' during sex?"

"Hmm." He nods and looks expectantly at you, his hands squeezing yours while his gaze seems somewhat calmer now that he is convinced that you're satisfied.

"You... you can call me whatever you want. I'm fine with it." You try to sound unbothered and calm, but the slightly shaking note shows how the thought of him calling you "baby" or "his pretty girl" while he thrusts into you does something to you. He nods, hesitating for a second, but then his hands suddenly drop yours to pull you in by the waist, his other hand coming to your chin while he leans down until his lips are close to your ear.

"My baby. Or would you rather be my babygirl?" His honey-like voice almost puts a spell on you, and you find yourself shivering in his arms, thighs involuntarily clenching together. "S-sounds good, Toshi." You bring your hands up to his chest, feeling the hard muscles under his shirt and his slow and steady heartbeat.

"And what would my babygirl like me to do? Does my babygirl want to be touched?" He lowly mumbles against the shell of your ear, your heart now beating faster when his hands start to roam over your body. "Yes," you breathlessly answer, hands slightly clenching into the fabric of his shirt. Definitely not what you had expected as the outcome of the conversation, but vocal Wakatoshi makes your pussy throb with every single word.

"My babygirl needs me to touch her, huh? I will take care of that pretty little princess cunt." He kisses your cheek, and your legs feel like jelly at this point. You cling to him, hanging on every single one of his words. You feel your arousal growing, feel how you start to get wet the more his hands keep touching you.

"More," you whisper, feeling hot and bothered while he keeps on touching you and pressing kisses to your neck. "More? Is my babygirl needy? That pretty princess cunny needs me to touch her?" He lifts the bathrobe just enough to place one hand on your thigh, and you feel like your body is on fire when he touches you there.

"Yes," you gasp, your hands now finding purchase on his shoulders while you cling onto him like your life depends on it. "What does that little princess cunny want? My fingers?" He grazes his fingertips along your thigh, moving dangerously close to your pussy under the bathrobe- bare, and basically creaming for him the longer he keeps playing with your body.

"Or my tongue?" he licks along the column of your neck, and you gasp at his words, the sensation hot and forbidden god. "I want to taste you, baby. You always taste so sweet. Do you want my tongue between your legs? Licking at your pretty pussy?" His fingers reach your throbbing pussy, slightly parting your folds and dipping in your wetness.

"Do it, do it, Toshi, please," you press your legs together around his hand, effectively caging him right where you need it. "Hmm, but you have to cum on my fingers first." He pecks your cheek and pulls his hand away from your legs, just to place it on your hips to guide you towards the bed. "Lay down for me, baby. Open that bathrobe for me."

His baritone echoes through the room, and you feel yourself doing everything like you're in a haze, full of need for him. "Hmm, that's my good girl." He hums apporvingly when you discard the bathrobe on the floor. Your body is trembling in the cool air of the room, but Ushijima is quick to join you on the bed and to hover above you, radiating so much heat that you instantly feel warm.

"Baby, spread your legs for me. Show me everything." You take a deep breath and slowly part your legs, revealing your glistening folds to him. A shiver runs down his body, and he clears his throat before he speaks again, his voice now lower when he is obviously bothered and turned on by the situation. "Look at how wet you are for me. All for me."

You frantically nod, anticipation rushing through your body while you wait for him to touch you. His fingers finally roam over your thighs, and your head falls back into the pillow at the way he touches you, the way he knows exactly where and how to touch you.

"So impatient. I can't wait to be inside of you, to feel you around me." Your gaze falls to the tent in his pants, the thought of him fucking you making your head spin and your pussy throb with need. His fingers move between your legs, moving along your folds and pressing against your clit. You moan at the sensation, your hands fisting the sheets when his thumb prods on your entrance.

"You look so pretty like this. Just waiting for me to touch you, to fuck you. And you feel so good around my fingers." He pushes his thumb inside of you, and you almost close your legs around him. "I will make you feel so good. I will make you cum on my fingers, on my tongue, on my cock." You clench around the digit at his words, your eyes focused on his handsome face while he keeps on rubbing your clit. "More, please more," you whine your body shaking underneath his. "Shhh, I'll give you more. I'll give you what you need, baby." His eyes roam down your body and you almost protest when he pulls his thumb out, just to quickly replace it with three of his fingers. "Oh, Toshi," you whine, your hips arching into him, and you start to fuck yourself on his fingers. He keeps the fast rhythm, pulling his fingers out, and pushing them back inside, curling them pulling them out again. "You feel so good. You're is creaming for me, look at that." His words only add fuel to your desire, and you grab his shoulders to push him down to you to connect your lips in a needy kiss. He groans into your mouth, his movements slowing down for a few moments before he sets his rhythm again, a fast and punishing pace now.

Your nails rake along his bare shoulders, leaving red marks, and he groans at the sensation. "Come on, baby girl. Let me feel you clench around me. Cream on my fingers, make a mess for me," his voice sends you over the edge, and you moan his name when you cum, your walls pulsing and clenching softly around his fingers. He groans your name, sweet praises of how you're his good girl, how pretty you look under him, how much he loves you, leave his lips and your body arches from the bed into his while your face contorts in pure bliss.

He prolongs your high, making sure to keep his pace and to curl his fingers just the right way, and your body goes limp when he finally slows down. His lips meet yours, pressing chaste and loving kisses to your face. "Was that okay?" The slight frown on his face is back, a clear sign of him being deep in thoughts when he pulls back after a few more kisses.

"More than okay. I think I could cum from your voice alone." You smile up at him and cup his cheek, the afterglow making you feel so good while you lay under him.

He raises an eyebrow, curiosity now sparkling in his eyes at your words, and you are quick to explain further. "I- I didn't mean that literally. Like- I just wanted to say that your voice is hot. And you are hot." Your cheeks heat up when he simply nods and hums, a mild smile on his lips.

"I want to test that out. Let's see if I can make you cum with my voice alone, baby."

[averlym]

misc. watt quotes that live in my mind rent free + bonus spread

[mbirnsings-71]

"I will fall in love with you, over and over again."

"'Would you fall in love with me again?' The question is spoken quietly, even though there's no need for quiet, but something about how gently it's asked shakes Eddie. 'You ask that as if I would ever fall out of love with you, Buck.' 'Haha very funny, now humor me. Would you fall in love with me again?'" -------------------------------------- Basically Buck asks Eddie a question and Eddie answers it as best as he can for him.

Fandom: 9-1-1 (TV)

Pairing: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV)

Tags: Cuddling & Snuggling, Evan "Buck" Buckley Has Abandonment Issues, Evan "Buck" Buckley Has Self-Worth Issues, if you squint cause like it's just a throw away sentence but yeah, Eddie Diaz Loves Evan "Buck" Buckley, Evan "Buck" Buckley Loves Eddie Diaz, they just love each other basically, that's it that's the whole fic they just love each other, and reassure each other that they would always love each other, No Beta We Die Like Buck did for three minutes and 17 seconds, or how Bobby did for like 15 minutes, Post-Episode: s08e08 Wannabes (9-1-1 TV), cause I mention it soooooo yeah gotta tag that appropriately, Canon Compliant, Kissing, just one kiss but it should be tagged, One Shot, Praying they aren't super OOC! We will see, first published work in this fandom so please be nice!

Complete | 1,714 words | Read on Ao3

[lovesickeros]

☆ decadence divine [ act I ]

{☆} characters arlecchino, neuvillette, furina {☆} notes yandere, drabble, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings yandere content, stalking (implied), kidnapping (implied) {☆} word count 2.3k

ARLECCHINO

Arlecchino was wont to leave social gatherings to her subordinates– the private meetings were where she thrived. It was so much easier to lure your prey into a trap when you didn't have prying eyes and ears waiting for the barest hint of blackmail.

She clicked her tongue in distaste, her eyes narrowing beneath the mask of the fox as she set down her cup sharply. It was difficult as it was to draw them from the safety of their bubble– at the slightest hint of danger, her quarry would run. A chase would be fun, but she couldn't risk getting caught here. The political nightmare it would cause..it already gave her a headache. She had to be discreet.

They weren't making it easy, however.

Which is why she never liked crowds. But this chance didn't come by every day. She wasn't going to simply let it pass by because of a little danger. She'd have them eventually, it was just a matter of how. There were already numerous of her own lingering in the crowds, hidden beneath the masks that every patron bore. It was difficult to stand out amongst the flurry of masked patrons constantly shifting around the room, moving from one conversation to another, gliding from one dance partner to another.

Her heeled boots clicked sharply against the tile as she stalked through the crowds, keeping a wide berth yet always lingering nearby– she was sure they could feel the vague sense of being watched, but with the huge crowds..her lips quirked into a grin with the barest flash of teeth. There were a great many ways to break them in– she'd spent a great amount of time and mora to get anything she could for blackmail, if she so wished. She had the backing of the Fatui as well if she played her cards right– it wouldn't be difficult to convince them that they were a valuable target, and none of them would dare to question just what she did with them afterwards.

Perhaps a bit of play, first. Test the waters. She was familiar with playing the polite gentleman, despite her status as a Fatui Harbinger. Stage something for her to intervene, perhaps, to look the hero. The look of shock when she revealed the wolf beneath the wool..she could see it already. That wide, doe-eyed look as they realized the monster they've followed blindly like a lost lamb..she was beginning to see the appeal.

All it took was a few hushed words and subtle signals before the tiles started to fall in place, her hand gliding along their lower back as she leaned over their shoulder with a thin, predatory smile. She'd have to organize for the agent to be released later, her eyes following as the Gardes dragged him out of the room in a flurry of curses, but for now..she tilted her head to peer down at them, polite and almost apologetic.

"You aren't too startled, are you? Now now, there's no need to look so..scared, poor thing. I won't let another lay a hand on you," She cooed in a sickly sweet tone, the husky rasp of her voice whispered in their ear like dripping honey. "You have my word. Now, why don't we get you some fresh air? Come. Allow me to escort you."

Her lips pulled into a jagged grin at the relief in their eyes– the blind lamb following the shepherd as it led them into it's maw. Just a little longer, and she could finally have her own caged bird– a pretty thing to admire, to protect, to possess.

Something no one else would ever touch again. Something hers.

NEUVILLETTE

Neuvillette was not one for parties. The intricacies and delicate handling of public relations he oft left in the capable hands of Furina, rather then himself. It was only at her behest he even attended at all, but he still felt rather..out of place amongst the bodies constantly shifting through the ballroom like a constant rush of water from one end to the other, no rhyme nor reason to the flow. The only thing that kept him afloat among the tides was the mask of the deer obscuring his face– even if it was exceedingly difficult to truly hide himself among the crowds, most passed over him without second thought.

Though he had to be honest with himself, even if he couldn't bring himself to admit it to Furina despite her insistence that his attendance was mandatory. He had his own reasons for coming– selfishness that left a sour taste in his mouth. It was purely by chance he'd seen the briefest glimpse of them prior, and he..was intrigued, that was all.

He refused to let his thoughts linger on the sleepless nights he spent prying every piece of information he could from loose tongues and obscure documents, every moment he managed to squeeze in between trials spent lingering in their most favored locations– cafes, stores, restaurants, the like.

Now a masquerade.

He tried not to let the guilt gnaw at his conscious, but it lingered like an age old scar that still ached.

So he relegated himself to simply residing in the further corner, nursing a goblet of water like a fine wine, trying not to let his eyes stray to the brief glimpses of them through the ever moving bodies filling the center of the room, dancing like puppets in music boxes.

Still, his hand twitched in an instinctual desire– a need to clasp his hand in their own, to touch his lips upon their knuckles, to indulge in a moment of reprieve and unshackle himself from the mantle that bears heavy upon his shoulders. He seeks reverence, worship, but not of himself– but towards the one who had drawn the eye of the dragon amongst the waves of humans he'd seen come and go for a great many years.

No one could compare, he is certain. None have left him as breathless, as hopelessly infatuated, as the one who made him wish only to kneel at their feet in senseless reverence until he could no longer speak. A hopeless man, indeed, if he has never even truly met them.

Instead he's spent his time prying into their life from the shadows. Caution, or simple cowardice?

He dares not ponder.

Yet in his ceaseless pondering he'd blocked out the world without, failing to notice the figure stepping up beside him until their hand brushed against his elbow– just the briefest touch, but it had his pupils narrowing and his entire body tensing like a coiled spring. That touch..bliss. It left him breathless and lightheaded as he tilted his head to regard them, his lips parting in a shaky sigh. They are as beautiful as he remembers– even with their face obscured beneath the mask, he would never forget them.

"Greetings, Monsieur– I hope I didn't frighten you too much." Their laugh made him feel rather faint, just the sound of their voice making his hand tighten around his cane. "..Not at all. I was simply lost in thought." He admitted apologetically, trying to reign in the urge to cup their face between his palms. A dangerous thought. He didn't want to scare them off when they'd provided him a priceless opportunity.

"My apologies, you must have needed something. It was rude of me to have been so absorbed in my thoughts to have ignored you." He continued, gently turning to set his goblet down– offer them his full attention, be a gentleman. The words rang in his skull like a ceaseless alarm, blaring and rattling his thoughts as he gently took their hand in his own. It was a split second decision– an indulgence, but he could simply not help himself. Even with his gloves between them, he felt like he was going to lose his composure just from such a brief touch..

He truly was a hopeless man before an altar, praying for a salvation he intends to bury deep beneath the waves– to keep it hidden in the darkness of the depths that only he can reach. A selfish man, he must be, to even think of it, but it is an itch that he cannot scratch. A need that must be satisfied. He cannot allow any hands but his own to tend to them, to know what it feels to touch them, to hear their voice and see their eyes as he prays– prays like a man starved, devotion born of desperation.

"I hope I did not make you wait too long." He smiles, soft and affectionate, like the bloom of spring beneath the winters chill– yet just as deadly, only masked by the sweet fragrance of flowers.

He had waited too long.

No longer.

FURINA

Furina was right at home amongst the crowds– where the masks obscured the identities of most, it was impossible to not recognize the charming banter of the Hydro Archon beneath the mask of the lamb as she graced the masquerade with her presence, speaking with a silver tongue to any who would listen. A truly enthralled audience fitting for the grandest of performers in Fontaine.

But her eyes lingered not on the people who's praise dripped from their lips like honey– yet so very bitter upon her tongue. Even the mask obscuring her expression did little to hide the longing that had her visibly deflating like a popped balloon. She hated all the eyes on her, really– it was suffocating. She was only putting on a show in the foolish hope that they'd finally pay attention to her. Just her luck, she supposes, that instead she's had to throw herself straight into the role of Archon without a pay off..

They hadn't even spared her a glance! It would be infuriating if not for the fact she couldn't even keep her composure just seeing them across the room. They didn't even have to look at her and she could feel the heat rush to her ears as she forced another smile at the crowd gathered around her. It was unfair how easily they could fluster her without even knowing it– her heart was thumping so hard against her ribcage she felt like it might burst.

Her only solace was the fact none of the patrons seemed to realize she'd clocked out of the conversation, her thoughts and eyes lingering on the distant figure– what a lovestruck fool she makes..it was a chance encounter she'd seen them during one of her outings. That was all it took to enthrall her, evidentially, try as she might to have ignore it for months.

They never left her mind for longer then a day, in the end, and she had to face the fact they had managed to enrapture her so deeply she felt like a newborn lamb learning to walk whenever she so much as thought of them. What an embarrassment! She..she was the Archon, she had a reputation to maintain, she couldn't be seen fawning over a human.

But oh, she still longed for it, beneath the veneer of a God. She'd watched them more times then she'd admit even to herself, wishing to find herself in place of those who'd hands were cradled so casually in their own– to hear their voice, their laughter, as often as she pleased..like a fine delicacy she so badly wished to taste, yet so far from her reach.

Would they think her pathetic for her infatuation? She pursed her lips at the thought, trying to bury the sour mood beneath her faux image of the Archon. Yet it lingered, and with only the quietest of excuses, she slipped into the crowd like a ghost– she needed to leave before she did something..stupid. Neuvillette would surely have a few choice words with her if she did, and she was inclined to avoid such a fate.

She..she just needed a moment to collect herself was all. That was it. She could go back to playing Archon for a little longer, she just needed a moment to herself. At the very least, the balcony had been regarded as off limits so late into the party– which gave her an opportunity to slip out of the public view for the briefest of moments. A welcome reprieve– she was starting to feel suffocated amongst the crowds.

Perhaps on instinct, she reached for the mask, lifting ever so slightly away..only to let out a startled yelp at the touch of a hand on her shoulder, the mask slipping back into place far too easily. It made her lightheaded, even now, but she dared not to dwell on it.

But when she turned sharply on her heel to chew out the person who'd followed her and had the gall to scare her..oh, she was done for, her ears flush with heat. The brief glimpse of their eyes beneath the mask, the curl of their lips as they smiled– her heart stuttered in her chest, and she was certain it had stopped all together when they clasped her hand.

"Y–you.." She wanted to be angry, to brush them off and leave with her rationality in tact, but the warmth of their hands on her skin rendered her speechless. She was no better then a fish on land, struggling to fill her lungs with air as she drew in a shaky breath. "Ahem, you caught me off guard. That's all. Surely you do not make it a habit to sneak up on people?" She huffed in indignation, trying to mask the fluster that threatened to break through her carefully crafted facade.

Ah, what a cruel twist of fate..she'd slipped away to escape their allure, but here they were, dragging her back into their orbit without even knowing how deep her infatuation ran. They were alone, too..it was a chance she wasn't sure she'd ever get again.

Maybe, just this once, she could do something for herself rather then everyone else.

She buried her guilt, the fear– buried it beneath the need to be seen.

"But if you want to make it up to me.."

[jovenshires]

smosh girlies week: day six → a smosh murder mystery (alternate universe pt. 1)

ian hecox: businessman, underground criminal, and now, dinner host. or at least that's what the invitation to his ex-wife, amanda lehan-canto, claims. they didn't part on the best of terms - last she checked, she lost everything in their messy divorce. she isn't certain why she'd be his first choice for a dinner companion. but that uncertainty is enough for her to get in her car and drive all the way to jones shrive - all the way to the manor she left nearly five years ago. after all, amanda, a now-retired private eye, would never let a mystery go unsolved. upon her arrival, she meets a colorful cast of characters - a lounge singer with a penchant for gambling, a police officer living far above her means, and a mysterious outsider who doesn't seem to even remotely run in ian's circles. she also meets the nosey, rambunctious reporter, angela giarratana. (she remembers the scathing article she wrote on ian - and the humble retraction the next week. it seems like she's not the only one who doesn't fit the mold of the guest list.) and, of course, the enigmatic, larger-than-life host himself, who doesn't seem to have a good explanation for all this. and before she can ascertain a reason, tragedy strikes. suddenly the house devolves into mystery and madness, and everyone becomes a suspect. amanda is quickly thrust into the spotlight, and to clear her name, she must solve her greatest case yet: the murder of the host himself. ian hecox.

[nettedtangible]

I’m not really one for having Sirius feel extremely upset by Jegulus yknow. Like I genuinely feel like that “you’re defiling my little brother” shit is weird and paternalistic and not something Sirius would care about (my boy is sex positive!!)

BUT, In a scenario where Sirius does get upset by Jegulus, I think it would go like this:

All his life, Sirius was put down by his parents, compared to Regulus. They never stopped talking about his potential, upset that he wasn’t living up to their expectations.

He was the golden child and the scapegoat. The weight of everything was on his shoulders, and Regulus just… got it easier. He didn’t have to work as hard for their approval, but he also didn’t have as much of their esteem. Regulus was in every way a spare. And while Reg resented it because he could never live up to his big brother, Sirius resented it because Reg never got the shit that he did. If Regulus made a mistake, it was just a passing moment. If Sirius made a mistake, it was picked apart and lorded over him.

And when Sirius finally decided he’d had enough and that he wasn’t going to try to impress them anymore, he turned to his brother and asked him to join him. To reject their approval and to actually try to make amends in their relationship. But Regulus was finally getting a bit of glory. Their parents eyes were finally turning from Sirius onto him. So he lorded it over Sirius, seeing it as some kind of victory, neglecting the idea that Sirius was doing it on purpose, and buying his own hype that he’d somehow surpassed his supernova of a brother.

And Sirius would hate it. He would resent Regulus for choosing them and their meaningless approval over him. That he would value such empty praise over his own brother who was there for him more than their parents ever were.

And then BAM Jegulus happens and Sirius’ whole world is spinning out. Because how could James like Regulus? Does James like Regulus more than him? Doesn’t James understand how much Regulus hurt him. Doesn’t James remember holding him every time he cried?? Why on earth would James take Regulus’ side??

Is Sirius going to lose James just like he lost his brother? Will Regulus make it a competition for James’ affections just like he did their parents?? Will he undermine Sirius and James’ relationship at every turn just so he can ostensibly beat Sirius again??

Does Regulus even like James or is this just another one of his bullshit one-sided competitions?? And surely James wouldn’t be foolish enough to fall for it right!? But James is kind, and soft, and trusting. And he doesn’t know Regulus like Sirius does. He didn’t see the little smirks Regulus would give him from behind their mother's back when Sirius was getting screamed at. The same smirk Regulus gives him now behind James’ back after they kiss. And oh god can’t Sirius have ONE THING?! Why must Regulus take everything from him, covet everything good that he manages to carve out for himself.

And oh god now he and Remus are getting along too! What if it isn't enough to just have James? What if Regulus wants to destroy his relationship with Remus too?? And anytime he freaks out about it to his boyfriend, warning him to be careful, pleading for him not to get too close to Regulus, he gets a kiss on the forehead and a soothing 'you're being crazy Pads.' And no one around him is taking his concerns seriously, and they're all looking at him like he's crazy and paranoid but they didn't see the look in Regulus' eyes when he was six and broke Sirius' favourite toy just because he could.

And doesn't Regulus know Sirius would just share it with him, if he asked. If he hadn't made it into a competition between them from the day he was born? Doesn't he know how much Sirius wants to show him?

He never wanted to be in competition. He never wanted to be their stupid golden boy. He only ever wanted to be himself. And now James is going to be ripped away from him and discarded like some used up toy just so Regulus can prove some useless point about being enough. When he was always enough for Sirius.

[honeyteastar]

The Heishin mer au! Info dump part one!

Includes the beginning of this au smirks

Later on when I do write part 2 (which ig includes the separation arc then omgies reunion </3) which is current events! But at the end you do get a taste of part 2 ish! But like I said will go more in depth. On top of that I will do another post ig talking about more on the seafolks n etc.

Shinichi and Heiji actually meet when they are both children and spend with each other for a whole month together. How they meet is when kid heiji had a scuffle with his dad so he wanted to get out of the house so he kinda grabbed a few of his things and left because he just don’t want to be in the same premises so he just wonders about until he reaches to a beach which is the farthest away until he finds yknow entrances to secluded era. Which funny enough that’s where shinichi is.

Shinichi was technically left there from his parents because the Kudos wanted to wonder and got tired of being in the ocean traveling around and never staying in one place. So shinichi is kinda used to them traveling around the ocean until they stop at cove. Which he thinks oh we are taking a break from the constant traveling. Until his parents tells him to say here until they come back! Which isn’t the first time they left shinichi alone, they go for a few hours then they’ll come back. Unfortunately for shinichi his parents didn’t came back because they left to travel on land. Until the first day during the late hours of the night that shinichi realized they are not coming back so he stays where they left him thinking they’ll come back to him and just continue what they do… He kinda scraping by because he knows how to hunt but is more left to his parents. That’s until he sees a creature? No that can’t be right…probably a kid like him but in two legs and just going about like his frustrations and crying while at it.

Heiji kinda tired himself out so he’s just head in his knees not really focus on his surroundings at the moment so he’s not seeing shinichi dragging himself out of water then tru sand to him. When he feels someone is like watching him, he raises his head but funny enough shinichi was super close to heiji so they kinda bump faces. So they both go oweww…then shock because alone to a space for burst of emotions then the next second of legit in front of you is a creature of the sea just cladding your face, which his palms are super soft, caressing for comfort and some low chirping? because you dumped faces is kinda crazy for afternoon. Minus the insane emotional breakdown you had a while ago with still tear marks on you but wow! Vs shinichi interest in the kid in front of him like woagh…pretty eyes….and 100% feeling his life source via his palms and trying to comfort him because he saw Heiji very distressed sooo shinichi copying what his mom does to him when his upset.

So funny enough they try to communicate but sadly there’s a language barrier between them because the mermaids have their own language going on while on land has its own. Shinichi does know a few words but not a lot because the Kudos didn’t really teach him (when they know a lot about it) they would until he was ready to shift into yknow “having two legs and looks human passing” so they can all travel together but sadly didn’t happen but we get omgies teaching each other language and heiji brings books to shinichi so he doesn’t get bored, this where shinichi fascination starts and becomes a bookworm, obviously he likes mystery books n etc. He also brings stuff to makeshift a tent and other things! Bc Heiji does sometimes sleeps at the place with shinichi! Gets to a point they cuddle/sleep together under the tent. heiji does start a routine with shinichi to like see him everyday and etc. There’s a time Heiji didn’t came to visit Shinichi because he was introduced to Kazuha bc his parents kinda noticed that Heiji would come very late or even in the next day so thought needed like a friend because they legitimately didn’t know where so talks here and there so evil meet up. Heiji didn’t like the idea at first bc he does have shinichi but he can’t do a lot of stuff with him because he’s stuck at the cove. So funny enough kazuha and Heiji goes along well but unfortunately shinichi kinda having the doubts about Heiji never coming back like his parents but this didn’t last long, Heiji did appear and shinichi kinda burst emotionally because the friend up to perhaps crush abandoned again but is fine!! Heiji was like what I’ll never abandon you ever. I just was making a new friend and I can’t really take her here. Kazuha does get the shinichi this and shinichi that but never seen this other kid that Heiji talks about a lot.

There is another scene that a festival does happen in Heiji’s town, he does mention to shinichi and that he would love to take him with him but he doesn’t know how but is fine! He’ll spend the time with shinichi! Shinichi kinda doesn’t want to see Heiji sad/disappointed so he kinda focuses hard to shift/removing his pelt which he kinda succeeds but not fully (you can see his ears, hands, teeth and a few markings that didn’t fully shift into human) which to surprise Heiji which he did and was like blinks and stares we can go! But let me get you something… so YAYYY they go out and is the best time shinichi ever had and they have holding hands all the time because shinichi the fear of loosing Heiji but Heiji is like just hold my hand! So we don’t get separated(like otters and while holding hands all the time shinichi feels very safe and comfortable because he can feel Heiji life source moment so he having the best time of his life) Funny enough Kazuha does meet shinichi and likewise but shinichi kinda shy away but they had fun!

Gets to a point where shinichi actually likes likes Heiji to where he gives his special gem aka a proposal gem that you give to your mate, mind you Heiji doesn’t know this he knows that’s is important and he’ll keep it until he dies BUT Heiji likes likes shinichi too!!! was gonna tell him that <- already proposed to fiancé in a sense because he did accept shinichi’s gem! Then heh this where I rip you apart they get separated because the kudos comes back to get shinichi and leave the place. Shinichi was very reluctant to leave but he left without saying goodbye to Heiji. Heiji comes to see shinichi and tell him something important but when he got there he wasn’t there and he checked the only thing he has from shinichi is the gem he has and shall treasure it until they meet again. Which they both forget each other! Heiji only thing to remember is the gem while shinichi remembers vividly his eyes, the festival date and the cove he stayed.

Shinichi when he gets older he goes to port to port, town to town just to read all the books in the bookstore and to remember that night (aside from Heiji eyes he vividly remembers the festival he spent and the cove) so he ask around n stuff after he’s done he disappears to leave for the next town funny enough the time the lands on heijis port town he kinda remembers the street n stuff and ask the question and get a yeah we do celebrate said festival n stuff and ironically enough he gets a glimpse of Heiji in the crowd bc that person looks very familiar moment to he trails after Heiji (even when Heiji leaves with a small vessel from his town shinichi follows him and that’s how shinichi legit saves Heiji instantly)

[swordmaid]

this convo hitting so different if ur a lolth drow like minthara

[sysig]

Font of Inspiration (Patreon)

[sidesteppostinghours]

pulps law is that whenever i get insane enough about something, i will inevitably attempt to make a persona 5 au, regardless of whether or not i am successful at it.

[arverst-aegnar]

Stupid. Inexpressibly stupid. Zuko had asked her to dinner; a bit more formally than usual, but they ate together all the time whenever she was in Caldera. And Zuko was unnecessary formal sometimes, because he was the Fire Lord, and because he was dramatic, theatrical, and all-around awkward. It had been an especially nice dinner, with all of her favorites from Water Tribe and Fire Nation cuisine, because Zuko was a good friend with a tendency to go overboard for the people he cared about. And yes, he had been a bit more dressed up than usual, but there were any number of Fire Lord duties that could have required that of him, and he probably hadn't taken the time to change into something more comfortable because it would take too long. Most likely Zuko hadn't even realized how formal it was, let alone specifically chosen it for the occasion; the finer points of fashion always slipped by him. It was all plainly obvious in hindsight, but because Katara was an idiot, she had overlooked the plainly obvious and plowed straight into the most embarrassing alternative. She had taken it all in as Zuko helped her into her chair – like he would have done for any lady – and blurted out, "Is this a date?"

Zuko, of course, had gone red and stuttered out stuff like "no!" and "of course not!" and "just friends!", and Katara had been too embarrassed herself to smooth things over. The evening was ruined: they hardly spoke, the food tasted like sand in her mouth, and Zuko had barely touched dessert before fleeing with some excuse about a meeting in the morning. Like he didn't always have a meeting in the morning, but was always willing to put off sleep if it meant more time with his friends. Two days later, he was still avoiding her, and Katara couldn't blame him for it. She would have made things easier on him and left, but the Southern Water Tribe ambassador wanted her help on a trade discussion with the Earth Kingdom, she'd promised the homeless veterans she'd talk to the Council about opening a new clinic, somebody had to put pressure on Lord Taiko to keep his word about closing down that factory, and a dozen other matters required her presence, if not her attention. She had been colossally, tremendously stupid, and she could only hope that she hadn't ruined her friendship with Zuko forever. --‐-- With the help of his friends and his uncle, Zuko had finally started to move away from calling himself an idiot, or a failure, or any of the countless other cruel epithets he had heard growing up; mostly. On occasions like this one, he made an exception. How stupid of him, to think that just because Katara wasn't dating Aang that she would be interested in him. How arrogant to assume that her warm smiles, her frequent visits, her passion for his nation and its people signified more than her love for her friends and her care for the world, and how ungrateful to want more. How foolish it had been to let those secret hopes build up until they fell, crushing him underneath. Childishly, Zuko longed to hide out in his room until the ache in his chest subsided, but even if he could shirk his responsibilities to do so, it would wreck any chance he had of hiding his idiocy from Katara. If she knew – well, not even his self-loathing would allow for Katara to be anything less than the considerate, compassionate woman he knew her to be, but he still couldn't bear the thought of her knowing. Maybe because he didn't want to burden her with worrying about his stupid feelings, maybe it was a holdover from his childhood, maybe both. Still, as he hadn't yet learned how not to wear his heart on his sleeve, Zuko took every opportunity to put distance between them. She'd pick up on it soon, if she hadn't already, but he thought he had a few days yet before she'd ask for an explanation, and maybe he could think up a convincing enough lie in that interim. Until then, he would attempt to piece his heart back together, and pray that he hadn't ruined everything.