#pasha x y/n

[niphredil-14]

Aw man! It’s fine tho!

I wanted to request a female reader who nervously comes out to Pasha that she is biromantic demisexual, and then Pasha says something along the lines of “so I have to compete with my brother for you. Okay!” In a joking matter, and they just laugh with the reader saying that she does find Iliya attractive, but Pasha will be the one and only for her(reader)?

I hope it’s not too confusing! I’ll happily clear up anything !

I fully believe that Pasha is one of the best people you can come out to, regardless of what you are coming out as. She is so understanding and supportive of you in such a casual and natural way. None of it feels like someone who is trying to learn to accept you, she already does! Which I know, should be the standard, but personally I have had a few experiences that more align with the other.

She might tease you about her brother, or anyone else that you're close to, but in her heart, she knows she is the only one who holds your heart. If you tell her that you don't like her joking like that, then she will stop.

(excuse me if I'm wrong, I'm yet to play her route, but) I definitely see Portia as a crafty type. She would crochet, you can't tell me otherwise. She would make you things in your flags' colors!

Also, she would not make a move on you until you indicated that it was okay for her to do so.

She is the consent Queen! And frequently checks up on you just t make sure that she's not doing anything that is making you upset or uncomfortable and that you were fine with her behavior and affections.

(Also, little A/N here, so sorry it was so short, I wasn't entirely sure if you wanted a story or headcanons or what, so I just went for it, but by all means, please let me know if you want me to do anything differently.)

[johnwickb1tsch]

Sympathy for the Devil ~ Part 13

A Donaka Mark x housekeeper!Reader fic, based on the amazing @discoscoob 's concept & bot!

Warnings: Donaka Mark is a bad man with a soft spot for you. dark romance, possessive behavior, nonconsensual voyeurism, red flag red flag girl!🔺, psychological games, power imbalance, dubcon/nsfw. PLEASE HEED THE WARNINGS!!!

one. two. three. four. five. six. seven. eight. nine. ten. eleven. twelve.

Thirteen.

At the crack of dawn Donaka wakes you with open-mouthed kisses on your neck and his cock stuffing you full. He is careful with you, as careful as he can be, taking you with the steady slowness of breaking waves, and if you didn’t know any better, you almost could have mistaken the way he fucked you for lovemaking. 

“My pretty girl,” he whispers in your hair. “Had to have your sweet little pussy again.” Despite the languid pace its not long before he fills you with hot streams of his cum. 

Afterwards, he smacks you on the ass, telling you, “You’re going to be late for work.” 

You are shocked, but at the same time, grateful for the opportunity to get away from him. You cannot think in his company. He gives you no peace. You frown at him, but slip into the shower without a word. As you leave he calls after you, “This is where you sleep now, y/n. Don’t forget it.” 

He relishes the glare you shoot him across the room, smirking at the challenge in your eyes. “Go on, defy me, bunny. See what happens.”

A tiny growl escapes your throat, your voice refusing to cooperate in forming actual words. 

“What was that?”

“Fine,” you grind out between your teeth, before slipping out the door.

When you join the ranks to receive your tasks for the day, Mrs. Yeung, the chief housekeeper, does not give you a second look. Perhaps she knows where her bread is buttered, and passing judgment on Mr. Mark’s new plaything will not serve her. Mei, however, is shooting you playful looks, and you know you will be interrogated later when she gets you alone. 

What the fuck are you going to say? 

You find yourself contemplating the height of the garden walls, wondering how far you might get should you just scale one and make your way down the road, hop a bus, go to the Embassy on the other side of the island. However, you’re sure Donaka is watching through his cameras. The dark little eyes tucked up in the corners of the rooms and outside never seemed so sinister before as they do now. You never really thought about how completely he can surveil his domain from the comfort of his office chair. 

You never cared before, because you were never up to something. 

That is when it dawns on you. You cannot stop yourself from taking a detour back into your room, and you check every corner, nook, and cranny. You find it tucked within an affixed wall decoration. A tiny camera, pointed right at your bed. 

The things he surely watched you do, long before you had any inkling…

It makes you simultaneously hot all over with rage–and you hate to admit, titillation. He really does like to watch.

You would have to remember that. It might prove his only weakness.

You are so fucked. 

Feeling completely overwhelmed, all you want to do is curl up on your bed and have a good, ugly, soul-expunging cry. However, there’s the possibility he’s watching you, and so you put on a brave face, shoving it all down and flipping off the little black eye in the wall before going back to work. 

***

You think you feel a little better, when you’re in the media room later, carefully dusting the screens and cables. All that goes up in smoke when Donaka slips through the door silently, pausing to look upon you like a predator at the treeline evaluating the quickest path to its prey. 

You straighten, meeting his gaze with your heart in your throat. What is he up to now?

With a little smirk he pads on bare feet to the couch, seating himself like a pasha in the center with his arms up on the back. He is…still so beautiful it hurts, and you find you are grinding your teeth as you stand there silently, waiting.

When the silence between you draws on, it’s no surprise that you are the one to break first. 

“Am I in your way?” you ask, glancing back at the wall full of screens. Maybe you’ll get lucky, and he’s here just to watch TV. 

“Not at all,” he answers smugly, still staring you down. 

Ah. Then he’s here for you. Great. 

You sigh, and decide to go back to what you were doing, rather than quiver like a mouse trapped in a cage with a snake. “Don’t you have a company to run or something?” you grouse at him. 

“The key to good management is proper delegation.”

“Wow, that’s a fancy way of saying ‘I have underlings to do my dirty work.’” It’s possible you lace your words with a bit of mockery, and maybe you shouldn’t bait this man…but then again, there is a part of you that wants to bait him. You want him to do something so truly awful, so unforgivable that the confusion in your heart will solidify to stone, and you will no longer be conflicted about this man, and what you want from him. 

However, he simply chuckles at your insouciance, sounding 300 percent the villain that he is. “I doubt you even really know what my company truly does.” 

You blink at that. He runs a security firm. You realize…that really could be a blanket term for so many things. “I guess I just assume you keep an eye on things for rich clients,” you say, waving at all the monitors. “You clearly like to watch.” 

You insinuate that you know he had a camera in your room. You wonder if he watched you nearly break down. You wonder if he cares. 

You can’t help but notice his pale, elegant bare feet–his long toes curl as he smirks at you. Is he enjoying this little bout of verbal sparring? 

“That I do, y/n.” He tilts his head, his gaze sweeping you up and down. “It’s not all we do though at Security System Alliance. Sometimes a situation with our clients requires a physical touch.”

So he has commando operatives at his beck and call as well. Not a huge surprise, considering. You can’t tell if he’s threatening you, or simply making conversation. 

“Interesting. What kind of situations? I hear kidnapping is a big problem with the uber rich these days.” 

His smile widens, and you decide that yes, he is enjoying this game of double-speak. “So it is. Obviously I can’t disclose details, but we did secure the safe return of a billionaire’s son not so long ago.”

“Was there a ransom?”

“They wanted 20 million dollars.”

“Did they get it?” 

“Some of it.” 

You take a step closer, your hands on your hips. 

“Did you orchestrate the kidnapping in the first place?”

Now his smile is like a baring of teeth for you. “Oh, that would be dastardly.”

It’s not a yes…but it’s not a no. 

“You just seem to have experience in such things.” 

“I’ll take that as a compliment. You seemed satisfied with the results earlier.” 

You grip your dusting rag, a fine trembling running down your arms, and you narrowly resist the temptation to throw it at his head. The feminine urge to break things and scream.  “Is this something you’ve done to other women?” you ask quietly. You don’t really expect him to answer you truthfully–but suddenly you need to know.     

“No,” he answers, his tone equally hushed. “My relationships with women are usually more transactional.”

You frown at that. Does he mean prostitutes? Or mistresses who expect to be paid in housing and gifts and an allowance…? You suppose he sort of tried that with you, with the bracelet. It didn’t exactly work in his favor, so he had to resort to other tactics.

You wonder if you’d just given in back then, if he’d already be bored with you now? Is that the key to your freedom? That tremble has made its way to your core now. You feel cold all over, and a little sick.

He sees this change in you, and the smile on his face fades. “Come here,” he orders, holding out his hand. 

“No.” 

“Don’t make me ask twice.” 

You’d thought you were feeling better, but you realize you just managed to push it all down to function. The pain and the fear and the anger wells up inside you with a vengeance, and you do throw the rag at him–then you run, even though deep down you know there isn’t a hope in hell for you to actually escape him. You round the couch and he utterly surprises you when he vaults over the back of it, lithe as a panther. 

When he grabs you up with those long arms you snarl and squirm like a wild little animal and none of it does you a damn bit of good. He crushes you against him, and you can’t help it. You start to cry again against his chest, pushing at him at first, and then simply gripping fistfulls of his nice shirt while you stain it with your tears and snot and probably saliva too.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough of that.” He doesn’t yell at you, sounding more bored than anything. You realize that this is not the fun part of the game for him. Bastard. He picks you up and carries you back to the couch, sitting with you cradled in his lap. 

“I realize this development will take a period of adjustment for you, but I suggest you calm down.”

He says it so clinically, and that wildness rises in you again. A feral need to struggle and fight no matter the cost, your sense of self-preservation flown completely out of the window. “I suggest you eat a bag of dicks,” you snarl, starting to thrash in his arms again. He adjusts his hold on you with his arm pinning you across the chest, and that’s when you really fuck up. 

You bite him, and you get him good, clamping your teeth down on the meaty part of his forearm. He actually cries out, which is satisfying for about 2 seconds before he has you flipped and thrown down on the couch across his lap, pinning your face into the cushions with that big hand spanning the whole back of your head. 

“That hurt,” he snarls, and you wonder what he has in store for you now. Good. You hope it’s something terrible, so you can get on with the business of hating him. This hovering in limbo shit is too much agony. 

“I hope it gets infected.” 

You expect him to yell at you. Curse you. Hurt you. 

You do not expect him to throw back his head and laugh. 

“Oh, my sweet little bunny. You stupid girl.” 

“Fuck you.” 

“You need to learn the art of self-restraint. I’ll be more than happy to teach it to you.” 

You open your mouth to scream, but he pushes you down into the couch cushions, muffling your cries, nearly suffocating you. “You can be quiet, or I can gag you.” 

You go deathly still at that, ceasing to even breathe, the thought is so abhorrent to you. 

“Ah, there’s my good girl.” He strokes the backs of your legs, from the curve of your calf up the soft flesh of your thigh, then higher beneath your skirt, toying with the seam of your panties. It feels horribly wonderful and far too intimate and you can’t sit still in his lap while he touches you like this right after you were just fighting for your life. “Be still,” he warns you. “Or I’ll tie you.” 

There it is again. The threat from before, and you really believe he’d do it now. You force yourself to go still in his lap, the only motion the fine trembling you cannot seem to stop that still plagues your limbs. 

“That’s much better,” he purrs, hooking his finger into the waistband of your panties, slowly drawing them down to your knees. When his questing hand slides up your skirt again, palming the curve of your ass he gives an appreciative groan. “I should bite you,” he muses, pinching you alarmingly close to the juncture of your thighs. “Right here, see how you like it.”

Maybe he expects you to squeal or whine, but you just sigh like you’re already tired of this shit, and you wish he’d get it over with. A fresh stream of tears has started falling from your eyes, beading on the leather upholstery. You’ll probably get into trouble for that too. 

“Oh, am I boring you?” he asks, half amused, half annoyed. 

“Yes,” you answer, and that’s when he pushes your skirt up to your waist and spanks your right buttcheek, the perfect snap loud as a crack of lightning in the room. You can’t help but scream then, and he chuckles as he finally gets the reaction he wants. 

“If you’re going to behave like a naughty child, I suppose I’ll discipline you like one.”  

“Gross.” 

“You know what I mean.” 

“Do I?” 

Smack! 

This time you don’t scream, but you do jump, squirming in his lap. 

“Fuck!” 

Smack! This time on the left cheek, and you bite the inside of your lip hard enough to make yourself bleed, though you stay silent. 

He lets you stew in the burning pain that spreads across your skin, before soothing your flesh with a featherlight touch afterwards that incredibly—inexplicably–makes you throb between your legs. 

What the fuck is wrong with you?

“I came in here to offer you a treat for good behavior,” he muses almost absently. “But I’m afraid that’s gone completely out the window.”  You can’t help but think he’s trying to make your relationship transactional, like he’d said before. Spread the blame, and the temptation, out between you, rather than rest it completely on his shoulders. 

“I don’t want it,” you grumble into the leather beneath you. 

“Oh, I think you do. You think you’re above the temptations of wealth? No one is. It’s just a matter of finding the things you want, and I’m certain this would have hit the target.” 

A long silence draws out between you. You hate it, that you want to know what he concocted, what he thinks he knows about you, but you don’t want to give him the satisfaction. Yet here you are, bent over his lap with your bare ass in the air–what dignity is left to you? At last you take the bait. 

“What is it?”

“I would rephrase that, if I were you.” 

You sigh, consider telling him to fuck off, and decide you don’t have the fortitude today to stand up to whatever he would do to you after. Another battle, lost to this man. 

“What carefully considered bribery did I miss out on in my headstrong resistance to your charms, Sir?” 

This makes him laugh like the villain he is. “Oh that was good. I liked that.” He continues to draw light circles upon your buttocks and the backs of your thighs, driving you mad with his gentle touch. Despite the fact that he has–not to put too fine a point on it–already murdered your pussy, your center throbs and weeps in response to his hands upon you like this. He is carefully avoiding touching you there, teasing you mercilessly with his fingertips, but if he did dip in a finger he would find you soaked. 

“Maybe I could be convinced to tell you, if you make it up to me. You’ve been a very bad girl.” 

You know you are a depraved thing, when your treacherous clit throbs in answer to this suggestion. Thinking you know what he wants, because you can feel the bulge of his hard cock pressing against your side, you make to get up. 

Immediately he pins you back down, his fingers fisting in your hair. It sends a thrill down your spine, and you shift your hips in response, pressing your thighs in hope of some relief. “Did I say you could get up?” 

Oh. 

God fucking dammit. 

“How can I make it up to you, Sir?” 

Even the sound of his dark chuckle strums at your clit, turning you into an angry, needy little mess in his lap. 

“Get on your knees, bunny.” He guides you to the floor between his legs, slow but exacting, his fingers still tangled in your hair. Looking up at him like this from beneath your lashes wreaks unspeakable mayhem upon your sense of reason, and all you can think is that you’re fucked. Well and totally fucked, because you still can’t make your mind up about this man. 

“Take it out.” 

You shouldn’t enjoy running your palms up the lean length of his thighs encased in fine fabric, the way that you do. Your hands should shake more, as you undo his designer belt and the clasp of his trousers, carefully pulling the zipper down. The impressive length of his manhood strains against his briefs, and you shouldn’t feel this thrill of excitement as his cock springs free as you pull the last barrier down. 

You dare to look up at him again, gauging his mood. The truth is that you enjoy giving head, when you’re in love and you feel safe and you’re having a good time. One of those is completely off the table–the other two, you’re still on the fence about. 

“If I feel the slightest hint of teeth you will regret it.” 

“I’m not going to bite off my favorite part of you,” you fire back, and you get lucky when this seems to delight him, winning a huff of laughter.

“Good. Give it a kiss then.” 

You do as you’re told, and do him one better, taking his head between your lips and swirling your tongue around that nerve-rich flesh. You feel him relax beneath you, a low moan your reward as you take him further into your mouth, almost to the hilt. He lets you do what you want with him, seeming to enjoy your freestyling lips and tongue upon his hard shaft. You forget yourself, teasing the throbbing vein ever so lightly with your bottom teeth. It earns you a growl of warning–you shouldn’t laugh, muffled as it is with your mouthful–but you do. 

You know it’s your punishment, when his hold tightens in your hair at the back of your head, guiding you down down down onto his erection. He is too big to fit completely into your mouth. You try, and fail to suppress your gag reflex. But he holds you, not letting you up. 

“Relax,” he orders with new steel in his tone. “You can do it.” 

With tears in your eyes you fight to ease him into the back of your throat, taking him a little further. “That’s my good girl.” Now he guides you his with his hand on your head, merciless as he fucks your face with his huge cock. “Swallow it all, bunny.” It’s the only warning you get before a flood of spend fills your throat and your mouth, his iron-grip in your hair preventing you from moving anywhere but down upon him. You struggle to swallow, trying not to make a mess all over his expensive dress pants. When at last he lets you go, you gulp and gasp for air, wiping at the corner of your mouth.

He smirks down at you, eyes half-lidded with satisfaction but still shining black as a shark’s. It takes every iota of your self control not to say what you’re thinking: asshole. 

Maybe you can be taught.  

“Not bad. We’ll work on that.” You fall back on your butt on the floor when he releases you, and you watch as he puts himself away and stands, leaving you a crumpled mess on the floor at his feet. You can tell he enjoys this vantage, towering over you. Who says you have no self-control? Because you are so tempted to punch him in the balls, even if you know he would end you for it. 

“See you tonight, honey.” 

You can hardly believe he’s leaving after that–leaving you in a haggard little unsatisfied pile. Only with his hand on the door does he turn back to you, throwing over his shoulder, “Don’t you dare touch yourself. I’ll know.”

You acknowledge this directive with a frustrated little growl, banging your head on the cushioned edge of the couch. He takes this as close enough to acknowledgement, sweeping out of the room with a wicked chuckle. You stay on the floor for a good half hour, trying to process this latest indignity, and begging your body to calm the fuck down. Remember, that you hurt everywhere? Your libido is not so convinced. 

Neither go well for you, so in the end you just give up, get up, and go back to what you were doing with the taste of Donaka Mark still sharp and astringent on your tongue.

Bastard. Maybe escape won’t be enough. The longer this goes on…the more you want revenge.

[thebadgerclan]

The Only Thing He Has Left

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x reader

Summary: You are the only thing he has left...

dragotsennaya devushka--precious girl

A/N: I have a pretty dark idea for a part 2, which I’m gonna write too bc I can’t be stopped 😂

She stood across from him, the War Room table between them.  Where was she, really?  That was what Aleksander wondered every time he saw her through the tether, where was his Summoner?  Alina appeared to him in her kefta from the Winter Fete, but he knew that particular garment was long long lost.  How did he appear to her?  Was he how she last saw him, or did she see his scars?

“I meant what I told you, all those months ago,” Aleksander said.  “I promised that you and I would change the world.”  “That is never going to happen,” Alina countered.  “I’ll destroy the only thing you have left.”  Her words were purposeful, her glare icy, and Aleksander immediately knew what she meant.  His Army was fractured, his nation was now embroiled in a Civil War, there was little that Aleksander still held dear.  Except…

“You wouldn’t dare,” he said, his hands tingling as panic filled him.  “Wouldn’t I?  You have no idea what I will or won't do.”  Aleksander stepped around the table, causing Alina to stumble backwards a bit.  “Mark my words, Miss Starkov, if you even think about harming my wife, I will make you suffer as you have never suffered before.”  Alina, to her credit, did not blanch, did not show the fear she no doubt felt, but drew herself up straighter.

“I’d like to see you try.”  Rage filled him, and Aleksander summoned the Cut, slicing the tether-version of Alina in two.  The map of Ravka on the far wall took the brunt of his anger, ironically directly over the ink symbolizing the Fold, and Aleksander let his anger carry him through the corridors to you.  “Inessa!” he called, summoning the head of his oprichniki.  “Yes, moi soverennyi?”

“Y/N is to be guarded at all times from this point out,” your husband ordered.  “I want at least 7 soldiers on her detail around the clock, our most skilled and deadliest.  No one gets within 20 feet of her without my say so, am I clear?”  Inessa nodded, keeping pace with Aleksander as he strode down the hall.  “Da, moi sovernnyi.  Is there anyone in particular you’d like on her detail?”

“Pasha and Liza, otherwise, use your judgment.”  “Yes, sir.”  Inessa bowed and turned to leave, preparing to make her new assignments.  Aleksander found you at your desk in your shared rooms, and as soon as he stepped through the door, he sent four of his nichevo’ya to stand watch.  “Aleksander, what’s going on?” you asked, rising from your seat.  “What happened?”

“Alina has threatened to…” he choked back tears, and you knew then that whatever had happened was serious.  “She threatened to kill you.”  “W-what?”  You hadn’t seen the Sun Summoner since the Winter Fete, but you’d heard how powerful she’d become, and you knew how deep her hatred for your husband ran.  Alina would do whatever was necessary to take him down, and you knew that if you got in her way, you’d be just another obstacle in her way.

Fear had your legs trembling, and you shakily lowered yourself back to your seat.  Aleksander took your hands and followed you down, kneeling at your side.  “Y/N, look at me, darling.  I will not let her hurt you.  If she even gets near you, she will die.  And it will be a slow, painful death.”  “Sasha?”  “Yes, dragotsennaya devushka?”  “I’m scared.”  Your husband gently tugged on your hands, and you fell into his lap, burying your face in his chest, his arms wrapping snugly around you.

“I know, Y/N,” he said.  “I am too.  But I will always protect you, until I am dust on the wind, I will defend you with my life.”  You said nothing, snuggling closer to your husband, letting the scent of his cologne calm you.  “I love you, Y/N,” Aleksander said, kissing your forehead and stroking your hair.  “My sweet darling, I love you so much.  I’ll always keep you safe.”  “I love you too, Aleksander,” you said.  The Sun Summoner could make whatever threats she liked; if she decided to move, Aleksander would be ready.

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2023: #04 & #03.

04. BELGIUM Gustaph - "Because of you" 7th place

Decade Ranking: 11/116 [Above Måneskin, below Monika Liu]

HOED BEZIG DADDY!1!!1!1!!

Another wonderful example of 2023 gaslighting doing its work - I decided around April last year that Gustaph could get a top 10 and because of the, um, reception he got online, I gaslit myself into thinking 10th was his absolute ceiling. Maybe, maybe on the cusp of left side?, I thought.

In reality:

Remember when they tried to break him? Well look at him now :-)

I love a good underdog arc and the best arcs are served with casual Surprise (not rly) Top Tens, defeating the underwhelming fanfave beasts along the way. There WERE murmurs by certain fans about how PUZZLING it was Gustaph got a SEVENTH PLACE (often lumping him in with Alika, Vesna and Voyager) over TeyaLena and Blanca and (mild cringe) LaZarra and (megacringe) Iru. WHY IS IT A TOP TEN SONG? Here's a question babe. Why was it not a top six song? This is what finished ahead of Gustaph:

Let's see: A boring default winner, Käärijä, evil nepobaby with the worst song ever, italian himbot with a some song, pulpy tiktok nonsense, miserable ukrainian song about the war. What A Wonderful Top Six, how could anyone like Belgium enough for top ten.

Fortunately as the months ticked by, the sensibles concluded that yes, "Because of you"' slaps and is iconique. Which is ofc, the conclusion I reached before the liveshows😘 Yeah okay that's supercilious of me, but I'm living the moment, let me have it, okay! Seeing the light took less time for me because granted, I am Belgian (and worse, Flemish) so I always have to convince myself our entries work if I like them (lmao tough luck Mustii!!), and when they work, they work, you know. "Because of you" IS Eurovision to its very core:

A CHARISMATIC LEAD WITH A GREAT VOICE AND A MEMORABLE STYLE

AN UPBEAT BOUNCY TUNE CELEBRATING A POSITIVE NURTURING TOPIC

A GREATLY STAGED, VISIONARY ACT (which is mandatory nowadays)

ADD SOME ░P░ U░S░S░ Y░I░ N░B░I░O ░ 

(and the not unimportant accolade of being the new jingle for misja eurovision...x)

It came together better than Imagined. The live was a meteor shower of slays and serves. Daddy slayed, his hubby that made the graphics served, the girls slayed, PussyServeCunt slayed AND the jury rightfully served up three twelves (including the Greek one lmaooo - pwnt Andrew!!) to commemorate this beautiful triumph over prejudice, pettiness and internalised homophobicuntitude. His hecklers can touch grass by faceplanting into it.

This was the best Belgian entry in a long time. Easily the best one since the terminally underrated Blanche (who is still the best winner we've never had) and that is good grief, already six years ago? Seven after the current contest? We were overdue for a good result.

Anyway, this was an erratic write-up, but honestly, I don't feel like I need to explain much anyway. Gustaph rose from an act most people pretended to dislike from an entrant that is universally well-regarded and beloved by both the fandom and critics. If that is not a satisfying growth arc, then I don't know what is. SERVE, HAT KING, SERVE.

in sum, see you in Antwerp for ESC2026 after we win it with a GUSTAPH x MEROL collab...x:

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

03. SLOVENIA Joker Out - "Carpe Diem" 20th place

Decade ranking: 7/116 [Above Barbara, below Daði]

:GASP: Only third?! Boris how could you - shush shush bish calm ur teats, my opinion on Joker Out has remained completely unchanged. Maybe that's the point? "Carpe Diem" is still probably my favourite 2023 track. On-curved indie rock with on-trend styling, what is this? Almost too good for the contest, that's what.

MI BOMO CELO NOC PLESALI LUBILI SE IN SE IGRALI KOT DA NAS JURTI VEC NE BO

And well, let's also be very clear here - Joker Out lived up to exactly what I wanted from them. It's one of those entries that does exactly what it says on the tin (see also: Pasha). The older I get, the more I appreciate the Actual Songs in Eurovision for their reliability and "Carpe Diem" was a really good song. Three minutes of unbridled indierock fun, that quickly turns addictive if you're not careful - it does get better than that, but it's a high bar that not many other entries pass. Besides, the live was you know, living up to my expectations and that's worth a lot in 2023, where most acts let me down. It was a joy to watch. Bojan devoured that live -

but it still felt like a group effort, as and the rest of the gang more than pulled their weight. Jan and Kris as the silly foils to Bojan's seductive self -

and Nace and Jure (who can both so get it 👉👈) as the two who would whip up the crowd making "Carpe Diem" well and truly feel like the concert that it was.

THEY WERE FUN

THEY HAD "RIZZ" (i really hate this word btw - or rather i hate how ESC.tv used this word to appear "cool" 🤢)

AND THEY HAD A TRUE EUROVISION LOVE STORY

(it is still wildly amusing to me that my two preshow favourites entered a bromance so electrified by reciprocal, yet unfulfilled sexual tension it felt like watching a Basement Yard Podcast 😍 Bojan x Käärijä 5ever💚)

So yeah, this was just all sorts of excellent, really. Ofc, 20th place is um... really disgusting and outrageous, specifically for an entry that brings me so much joy, but hey that's democracy for you. Results are being decided way ahead of time so the people with godawful taste that lead happy lives feel like they are relevant, or summat.

However, Joker Out didn't lose Eurovision 2023, they won it. Out of everyone, it was their fanbase that grew the most after the contest ended, so much that they're now considered a welcome staple at ESC preparties, alongside the likes of Daði Freyr, Go_A, Senhit and Anna Bergendahl, which is not a bad line-up to be a part of. They'll be back as Slovene reps in a few years, hopefully with a more immediate song and will do significantly better. 😁

Finally, yes, Slovenia went from first to third on my ranking, but eh. I figured out quasi immediately after the finale that my top 3 would be Czechia, Finland and Slovenia, and figured out just as fast that Slovenia were third in that equation. I hope it's been made clear that my feelings on Joker Out just stayed the same, while Vesna and Käärijä were subject to positive morphs, and the novelty of those arcs is worth a splitscreen ending.

WILL IT BE THE GREEN FIN OR THE PINK SISTERS?

it was actually... a very, very close call. 😲

THE RANKING

[soldier-requests]

tysm, those names are beautiful!! our kokomi is jealous now xhsjf so can we possibly have some fem names for a sangonomiya kokomi fictive? thank you so much, i hope you have a wonderful day!!

hello! and you're very welcome!! and yes, i can do some names for kokomi :]. i wish y'all a good day as well!!

names are under the cut (in alphabetical order this time, yippee!!). you have my apologies if there are any repeats from y'alls previous ask 😅. i tried not to repeat anything, but i might have missed some.

A:

Amaya, Avonlea, Aqua, Akua, Anna, Aomi, Althea, Aala, Athena, Aukai, Arctic, Allium

B:

Baia, Brooke, Bellerose, Blush

C:

Cloud, Chantara, Calypso (or Kalypso), Coral, Cordelia, Clematis

D:

Divine, Diviana, Derya, Doris, Dansui, Diana, Dipsi

E:

Eyre, Eimi, Esmarie, Erene, Etsumi, Evolet

F:

Fushia / Fuchsia, Freida

G:

Godleva, Guinevere

H:

Hama, Hyacinth

I:

Indra, Isui, Ianuaria, Ione, Indigo

J:

Jeanmarie, Jacinta, Jenive, Jolanta

K:

Kaimana, Kimi

L:

Laguna / Lagoona, Leuruna, Loxi, Lila(c), Lolanthe

M:

Marina, Manahimeko, Mizuki, Mystique, Marcelline, Maree, Marin, Maurea, Morgana, Marilyn, Mio, Momo

N:

Nessie, Nahla, Narelle, Nami, Najwa, Nasrin, Nonie

O:

Ondine, Oceania

P:

Pasha, Peanut, Pembe, Pinki(e), Primrose

Q:

Queen(ie), Quinn

R:

Rain / Raine, Raina, Rosa, Roz, Rosita

S:

Samena, Storm / Storme, Sumire

T:

Tallulah, Taina, Tajana, Thalassa, Taffy

U:

Umi, Ulla

V:

Veila, Violentine, Varda, Viola

W:

Wisteria, Wyona

X:

Xemina, Xie

Y:

Yillian, Yesha

Z:

Zasha, Ziena

[malaks-perch]

lock the door

portia x reader

asra should not have left you to clean the shop, especially if he knew portia was swinging by

warnings: fluff, a little steam— wait no, considerable amounts of steam, not a sauna; some crack in there

a/n: i really don't know what happened here, i had fun though and yes i was fully sober for all of it

it was a nice day outside, not that you would know.. it was your turn to go through inventory. you bribed asra with being the one to clean out the shop so that you would be the one to go off on an adventure instead of being left behind.

asra so teasingly flaunted how you practically begged him to be the one to leave the shop and he’d be lying if he said that he didn’t feel guilty when he saw how you visibly deflated.

he patted your head and promised to bring you back something like he always did. but right now? you didn’t want a present. you wanted this broken jar of pickled sage to clean itself up.

asra didn’t even use pickled sage. you set yellow vials stained by the sage atop the counter as you cursed whoever thought up the idea to pickle herbs. you were too busy cleaning up off the slimey substance from your hands to remember that you had indeed left the door to the shop unlocked.

you heard the door opening as you disposed of the glass. “we’re closed!” you called into the shop only to hear a familiar giggle.

“you’re supposed to the friendlier of the magicians.” porta called to you. “what’s with the mess?”

on her days off, portia would always come around the shop. learning what she could from asra and he would leave you to tutor her so you both could have a little practice. sometimes she would drag julian along and he would often watch and take note of the ingredients while asra would sometimes craft new spells. to have her hear would make things go easier.

“not even magicians like to clean their rooms,” you half grumbled making the bubbly devorak laugh.

“what are these little bubbly vials for?” she asked, as you picked up a few bins to bring to the front so you could sort everything by it’s colors.

“asra and i were trying to bring in a few more customers by making little treats. you can try one. let me know what they taste like.”

there was a beat of silence before portia let out a small burp and giggled, “it tastes kind of like a lemon cake. i didn’t know a drink could be so foamy.”

“foamy?” you said to yourself. you and asra didn’t make lemon-

a crash interrupted your thoughts and you were racing out the back to see one of the yellow vials empty on the floor. there was no sign of portia. you went to pick of the vial when you spotted a hand and you followed it to find portia unconscious behind the counter.

“i fucking killed her.” you braced your hands on the sides of your head. asra hadn’t been gone for a day and you were already screwing everything up. you hoped asra liked sailing because there was no telling how vesuvia would react to manslaughter through magic. “oh my gosh, she fuckin’ dead.”

your thoughts were interrupted by portia’s body taking on a golden glow when portia’s hair shifted in the slightest. you knelt down by her, pushing her hair aside when brown pushed up against your hand. you jolted up, throwing yourself at the cluttered counter. pushing the sample treat bottles aside to grab the unmarked yellow ones. you uncapped one and held your nose over it.

it didn’t smell like any regular potion. this must have been one of asra’s forgotten side projects from a long time ago. the date was expired on it, so if a few ingredients had perished, it meant the rest must have mixed to make something completely different. before you could investigate any further you were distracted by a groan.

your head whipped over to portia as she called out to you and your heart dropped into your chest. she wasn’t dead, but what the hell would julian think if he saw portia like this? oh. stars. what would nadia think?

portia’s antlers had grown that so wide that they blocked any way around her. you leaned down, in an effort not to startle her.

“okay. now, portia-”

“what’s wrong?” she was wide eyed, lifting her head and an antler getting caught on a shelf beside her. upon seeing it portia screamed.

“portia, calm down! it’s okay-”

“it’s not okay! this isn’t okay-” she shook her head. an antler hitting the counter making a pink vial come crashing down on portia’s hand. the pink worked instantly, fur growing on her hand and she shrieked even louder.

what the hell did asra have in those old vials?

“portia, if you keep swinging your antlers someone could get hurt-” you were cut short when portia swung her head around a jar from the shelf on your right came hurdling into your face. the jar breaking upon making contact with your face.

you hissed, falling back as the feeling of the potion in your eyes. a scream ripped from your mouth, it felt as if someone had poured salt into your eyes. portia was screaming with you the entire time and when you finally realized it hurt no longer. you pulled your hands away from your face to find that your hands were normal. nothing unusual there.

you looked up at portia and smiled only for her to lift a finger, whimpers coming from her mouth. “don’t scream, okay? don’t scream. portia.” you warned, lifting your hands up when you caught sight of your reflection in the class counter beside you.

green feline eyes had taken the place of your eyes, but your newly transformed eyes dropped to your teeth that resembled those of a leopard.

you were screaming now, turning to portia who was violently shaking her head making potions fall and tumble.

it was a little while later that you both calmed down and portia was sitting on the opposite side of the counter while you swept up the broken glass from your panicking.

“i’m really sorry.” portia motioned to the jars while she let her fingers trail over a few of the bizzare vials that shouldn’t have been too hazardous.

“no, no. it’s my fault. i shouldn’t have put those yellow vials so close to the samples.” you waved her off as you threw away the broken glass. “i didn’t think that asra had so many unfinished projects he’d left around. i was careless.”

portia nodded to herself, a mischevous smile crawling up her face when she picked up a green vial. “you think we’ll get in trouble with asra?” rubbing the underside of her paw against her face.

“probably not. he’s probably forgot about all these potions.” you told her, as you set the broom aside to get back to organizing. “he’ll probably never leave me to do inventory again.”

portia motioned to a box of vials and jars marked expired. “do you want to find out what those do?”

you couldn’t help, but laugh at portia’s resilience. both of you were screaming your heads off moments ago and here she was wanting to have another go at the randomness of potions.

you shook your head, motioning to the box on the floor.

“it’s probably dangerous to be playing with these things.”

upon lifting the box a red vial slipped out of woven box and spill at your feet. purple fog engulfed you as the box slipped from your hands. when it disappeared you found your skin was freckled with red spots.

you shook your head, groaning at the sight of your different skin tone. portia laughed and helped you pick up the box only for portia to slip on the forgotten red vial and go falling beneath you. she yanked at your tunic and a lavender bottle went flying.

your eyes went wide. lavender bottles were important bottles. only important or significant spells and potions were marked down with that lavender color. you were hopping over the counter and diving for the bottle.

portia gasped upon seeing you slam into the bookshelf on the far wall, but when you caught the potion she cheered. you smiled at her, celebrating far too soon because the big book of spells that asra always balanced on the top shelf came slamming down on your hand and the lavender bottle broke in hand. covering you in it’s contents.

your skin began to tingle and you shoved the book off of you to find that you were not covered in scales or fur, but in the sweetest aroma that smelled of strawberries. you coughed at the overwhelming amount and found portia hurdling towards you.

you caught her and spun the redhead so she lay beneath you. more books came tumbling down, but you were focused not on the dictionary that had smacked you on the back of the head but the languid kisses being pressed up your neck.

“h-hey, porita.”

she smiled against your neck and wrapped her legs around your hips to pull you directly on top of her. “hey, my beautiful partner.”

“y-you.. you know what a-asra says... not in the s-shop?” you stammered out when she raked a hand through your hair.

her lips were at your ear, portia eagerly tightening her grip on you and shifting her hips to bring you impossibly closer to her. “asra’s not here, love.”

then it clicked. that potion in particular hadn’t been expired. it needed to be disposed of because it was a love potion. asra refused to sell those and this must have been some of the last that he didn’t get rid of. for those who had already established an insatiable connection, the deeper it’s more.. lewd effects would have on the user.

lewd indeed by the way portia was pressing kisses to your neck.

you pressed a feverish kiss to her lips, silently apologizing to portia as you deepened the kiss. she moaned and when her hold loosened, you bolted.

you grabbed the woven box of potions as you slid rather ungracefully towards the stairs. tripping as portia moaned your name. you were about to slam the bathroom door shut when it was shoved open. vials went flying around you when you fell back into the huge tub.

you scrambled to hold yourself up as portia approached you, “you thought you were going to leave me to take care of myself?” portia hummed as she leaned over the tub, walking so she was between your legs that were high in the air. “not today.”

something broke beneath portia’s foot. you weren’t sure if you were disappointed when the pink haze in portia’s eyes seemed to dissipate, but you knew that the smell that came after was absolutely disgusting.

rotten eggs filled your nose and you scrambled to block out the smell. portia stepped back and another sound of something breaking took the air.

the other smelled of flowers and when it came together. it was less intense, but still so very intoxicating. you let your hands fall from your mouth and you grinned, “now this something i can get behind.”

the intoxicating scent drowned out every thought in your brain before you met eyes with portia who gave you a lazy smile and pointed at you, "i love you, bisshh. i ain't never gonna stop lovin' you, bisshhhh."

you could only smile like a lovestruck fool completely forgetting that portia would tell you.. not those exact words, but exclaim her love every day.

but you, oh you... opened your arms out to welcome her into them and in doing so, freed your upper body from the tub and in turn made your head slam on it's bottom.

portia slurred giggles, nearly falling in the tub upon trying to brace her swaying steps.

"portiaa!" you cried out so loudly that it vibrated the tub. "i hit my head!"

portia laughed again, leaning further into the tub, taking note of your twisted up face. "so? are ya any smarter now?"

"portia, you stoopid." you groaned whacking her in the forehead making her gasp and hold her head. "i'm gonna die! i hit my head."

portia, who was also completely high off whatever fumes were in that bottle, dropped to her knees sobbing.

you rolled your eyes and sat up in the tub, dizzy from hitting your head, shaking the redhead. "i have twenty four hours, dummy. like the stories."

you don't exactly know what stories associated hitting your head with dying in twenty four hours, but boy did you look convinced.

your matter of fact tone made portia nod, her antlers hitting your square in the forehead and sent you flying back in the tub.

"i'm gonna fucking combust if you keep hitting me, portia!" you hissed at her making the redhead put her hands over her mouth.

"you. are. so magical." she grabbed your face, "so beautiful."

she stared at you with wide eyes and slammed her lips to yours. it was.. it was sloppy. kinda hot though. portia stuck her tongue in your mouth and she climbed over you in the tub while you held her hips.

you sat up so fast that you made portia land on her back, sitting at the lip of the tub.

"portia. i got an idea." you looked down at her and then reached over the side of the tub. portia gasped when you pulled up two vials and she leaned forward staring at your hands.

"where did you get those?"

"i don't know." you swallowed, but you met her eyes and handed her a vial. "but these. this should make us birds."

portia shook her head, "but then we die faster."

you shook your head, sitting on your knees in the tub and uncapping your bottle. "if we drink this, we can fly away from death."

there was a beat of silence before portia nodded, enlightenment washing over her. "that makes sense. it can't find us if we're birds."

"exactly and because the feathers will cover our bodies." you told her.

you were tipping back the vial and portia's slipped from her paw and slid down the tub and behind you.

the fog clouding your mind cleared and it was then you saw portia's hair sticking all over her forehead and she was reaching for your pants.

"whoa! portia, what are you—" she grabbed the vial underneath you and tried clawing off the top when you reached for it. "portia, no!"

"we're gonna die! we need to be birds! the feather—" the words came rushed from her mouth, but you understood every word of it and then.. none of it at the same time.

"what the— what are you talking about? you're not gonna die!" you hissed, tugging portia's hair so you could see her eyes. her pupils were dilated and there was almost no trace of her blue irises. the vial went flying out of the tub and you spotted a ton of them strewn on the floor.

before you could react, portia was leaping out of the tub for them. you went to follow her, but she grabbed a vial and uncapped it with her mouth, tipping back a bottle while you slipped out the tub and landed on three.

as portia was sobering up, your skin changed yet again so one side was a vibrant red and the other was a very dark blue.

portia reached over, cupping your face as her brows had drawn up. "oh my stars, are you okay, y/n-"

you burped and flames exuded from your mouth. you and portia stared at each other as ash came down around you both. portia grabbed up another potion, "one of these should take that away, right?"

portia opened another one and dumped it in your mouth as a new flame started up.

the heat in your mouth seemed to stop and you nodded at portia who sighed. before she could sit back, you grabbed her arms.

"check before you sit."

she turned her head, knocking your face to the side with her antlers when she brushed open a spot for her to sit while you carefully picked yourself up off of the broken glass. you were thankful that you'd worn especially thick pants today.

portia sighed, staring at your bicolored skin and weird eyes. she laughed, cupping your face. "i wonder what asra would think if he saw you."

you shook your head, leaning into her touch. "i don't even want to think about asra right now."

"well he can undo everything once he gets back, right?"

the sound of the front door closing downstairs made you sigh. "i forgot to lock the door."

you hurried up, rushing down the stairs with portia on your heels. "how long have we been up here—"

portia was stuck at the stairs, but you hadn't stopped. you were already at the bottom when you spotted julian. you smiled, feeling better knowing that it wasn't some stranger.

julian spotted you and his eyes went wide from where he was looking down at the mess behind the counter.

"monster!"

whatever you were trying to say couldn't be heard over julian's shrieking. he grabbed a broom and raced towards you.

yup, you guessed it. you slipped and fell, successfully breaking a stray vial on the floor.

"hair! hair! julian, look at my hair! it's me!" you squeezed your eyes shut and held your hands out.

he stopped, but before you could say anything to him. you noticed yellow spots coming up on your skin. julian held up his coat lapel as he backed away from you. you stood up, trying to calm him.

"you're sick, love." he told you, tripping over himself as he hurriedly scrambled for the door.

he full on shrieked when you wrapped your arms around him. you couldn't say seeing julian freaked out like this wasn't funny. because it definitely was.

but your fun had come to an end when you saw portia standing at the bottom of the stairs with her arms crossed.

you grinned, but the door opened yet again. stepping through was a white head of hair, his eyes scanning over portia's antlers and paw. then you with your different colored skin and feline eyes as you held a very uncomfortable julian.

asra said nothing. only letting out a sigh and shutting the door behind him.

"that went well." portia smiled.

you shook your head, "we need him to help us get rid of all this."

portia was ushering julian out to catch the magician. after the door shut, portia giggled nuzzling into your side when you shook your head and ran a hand down your face.

"i really should have locked the door."

[karumashadowchicken]

Arcana Y/N Birthday Reactions

Arcana Y/N's Birthday 'birthday reaction'

-Nadia- Nadia would go all out for yourbirthday. She would get you your favorite book for you, chocolate, a giant teddy bear, and maybe some jewlery. She would be suprizing you with gift after gift. Nadia would get you a new silk robe, a massage, and a great bubble bath too. She trully would try and make you as happy as possible on your birthday. If you don't usually celebrate your birthday she will simply just get youa few gifts, and a nice dinner. Although, if you like parties, she would through you a ball, and slow dance with you. She'd have a nice big cake, and lots of gifts.

-Asra- Asra would probley plan a day in the market, you two would stop and get your favourite bread. By the end of they day you two would have, gotten your favourite bread, danced around the town square, went shopping, and to  end the day off? He would give you a beautiful necklace and you two would spend the rest of the day cuddling. You would have fun, and it would be great.

-Julian- Julian would absolutly take you too see a play. He would totally dramatically join th play, pulling you on stage. Dramatically having fun together. When you two are done there he'd probley run off with you too the Rowdey Raven. Jules would pay for the drinks, claming that there discusting, only to order another Salty Bitter one minute later. He would end the day off by the water. You two sitting on a dock, and you punch him lightly in the shoulder, " You better not be trying to ditch me again!" You say, you and Jules both lauhing.

-Muriel- He would probley take you on a picknick, with Asra. You, Muriel and Asra. If muriel knows you well, then he might just have a picknick with you. After you two would probley feed the chickens together, and maybe go berry hunting with eachother. Muriel would have a simple time, and maybe just hang out, like nice quality time. If your important to him, and have already gained his trust, he might make you one of those carved wooden animals! It would probley be of your favourite animal.

-Pasha- Pasha would reach like julian, exept more cute, She'd take you to the Rowdy Raven, and have a picknick with you too. She'd alsodo some baking with you. You two might pick some vegetables from her garden, and she would introduce you to Pepi.

-Lucio- Lucio would through you a grand party, just to show you off. You'd be in a beautiful outfit, one that probley matches his. He would throuh a ball too, there'd be nice music, lots of food, lots of peopleand really fun. Really fun, if you like being shown off like an object, and if you don't have social anxiety. Either way he'd through you a party, weather you'd like it or not. He'd get you lots of gifts to make up for it though, gold necklaces, new outfits, notebooks, and oil painting of you, and of course him too. He'd have an over the top reaction.

-The Devil- The Devil woulden't really care, maybe if your lucky he'll et you a gift. If you are even luckier, you might get quality time together. You and the Devil might get to spend a bit of time hanging out, but thats it, he might even make you lunch.

-Valdemar- Valdemar woulden't care honestly, human things are quite odd to them. Although, they do care about you. Menaing that they will get you a gift, nothing fantastic. Just something that proves that they care. They might even let you watch them operate on someone. They might go outside and find a flower for you or somethng, maybe they'll sit down and write you some edgy sadistic poem. They'd even force you to eat breakfast that day, just to make sure your healthy. They'd also get the cooks to make you a cake, hen they's watch you eat the cake in the dungone, because they'd wanna spend time with you.

-Volta- Volta and you would bake some food together, cookies, cakes and all that. It'd be a great way to spend quality time. To be far Volta probley ate like half the batch of cookie doe, and like half the cake mix,but you to just made more. When you two were done, Volta ate the food, and then ate lunch? She just keeps eating andd eating. You two spend the day hanging out, you two probley also had a picknick after, honesly it was just a day full of eating.

Thanks for reading, if you’d like you could suggest a writing idea, again writing is free, and I love it. I’ll write anything honestly.

[writingtheafterglow]

Best Kiss

Pairing: Tom Holland x actress!Reader

Warning: none- ok ok fine fluff, fluff, and more fluff.

Summary: You and Tom win Best Kiss at the MTV movie awards.

A/N: Sup Shawty! So here is another oneshot (it's pretty short). I will be posting my request guidelines and what I am comfortable writing, later. But for not enjoy some Tom x actress!reader😝 Also this movie that you and Tom are in I completely made up so let's just go with it.

--------------------------🦋--------------------------

"Why are you so nervous, darling" Tom says. You had just heard the nominations for 'Best Kiss' at the MTV movie awards, and you and Tom's new movie 'Changing the Sea' was one of them. You played Pasha the Siren that Tom's character, Oliver the sailor, finds on a trip to Portland, Maine.

"Because don't the winners usually.....you know....kiss.... in front of everyone" you say in fear. It's not that you didn't want to kiss Tom, it's just that you've had a huge crush on him since your audition for the movie. You never thought he felt the same way. Sure he calls you cute British pet names, but he does that with everyone. He has a very flirty personality. You just didn't want to mess your friendship up.

"Don't worry about it, Love. We've kissed in front of people before." He says wrapping an arm around the back of your seat. As he does this your face starts to heat up.

"Yeah, but not this many people and we were also in character." you say sinking further into your chair.

"Darling you-" Tom was about to comfort you once again when they started talking again.

"And the winner is..........." The silence made you even more nervous.

"Tom Holland and Y/N Y/L/N!" The people on stage announce. This causes your cheeks to flush even more.

Tom pulls you up by your hand. You link arms with him and go to the stage. Once your up there they give you and Tom a hug then hand the award to Tom.

"Wow! Thank you everyone this is amazing" Tom says. He wraps an arm around your waist pulling you closer.

"Yeah I have no idea what to say this is awesome-" You were about to finish your scentence when Tom cut you off.

"You know Y/N, I remember you telling me that there is something the winners of 'Best Kiss' do once they win" Tom explains smirking at you. Your cheeks are now on fire and your eyes widen.

"I did, didn't I" you say giggling trying to keep your cool.

"Well we have to keep the tradition going" Tom says pulling you closer if that was possible.

"I guess we do" you say gazing into his beautiful brown eyes. He smiles and licks his lips.

With that Tom cups your cheek with his free hand and pulls you in. Your hands rest on his neck playing with a few stray curls at the nape of his neck. He presses his lips against yours in a soft but long kiss. You hear the crowd cheering but that was besides the point. You pull away and rest your heads against each other's. Tom is looking down at you smiling.

Tom and You then exit off of the stage to go do a few interviews. Tom stops half way and pulls you aside.

"I wanna tell you something" he says still holding your hand.

"Uh sure what's up" you ask nervous. What if he didn't like kissing you or he thought that you kiss weird or-

"I like you" Tom says looking at you waiting for a response.

"Really?" You ask in shock

"Yeah I have since the day of your audition" he says pulling you close by your waist.

"I like you too" you say.

Tom then pulls you into the second kiss for the night. This time it was more passionate. He pulls away to look at you.

"We should probably go" you say looking up at him.

"Yeah" he says grabbing your hand and guiding you towards the interviewers.

━

© emma - spideymix 2021

[laurensxox]

Fandom :: The Arcana

Pairing :: Julian Devorak x Reader (Not Apprentice)

Requested? :: no

Warning/s :: Julian's Route (Upright) and New Tale Spoilers, Named Apprentice, Female Reader, Chronic Illness, Swearing, Author is projecting their longing

Genre :: Angst

Summary :: Julian spends the night reminiscing over childhood memories and longing to go back to the past where he was in Nevivon again, playing as carefree as one can be with the one person he truly cared about other than his younger sister

Author's Note :: Stark, if you're reading this, I'm fighting you for this dramatic, self-sacrificing dumbdumb-

Song Inspiration :: Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars

Portia's Cottage :: Just After Sundown

A chuckle left the auburn haired man as he watches Pasha relay stories of their childhood to their friends, informing them of how they were raised by a group of grandmothers and how their parents actually perished from a shipwreck caused by a rather strong storm. Mazelinka quickly add in how much of a troublemaker the two of them has become as the years pass by, didn't even waste the chance to tell them about the tooth fairy situation which caused Julian to go beet red in mild embarassment. Their friends were in no need to know that story!

Shaking his head, he let a more genuine smile form on his face. As embarrassed as he is right now, he was happy to see everyone laughing jovially without the fear of Lucio's plans with the Devil weighing on their shoulders. A warm sensation forms in his chest as he tries to hold in his laughter as Pasha nearly slips on her feet with her excitement to share their history. It was nice to be able to just laugh and and thrive in the positive energy inside the cottage! Even Muriel, their very introverted friend, seems to be relaxed as he lets Allen (Apprentice) braid his hair using flower stems while Asra leans on his side.

Looking at the trio and sensing the strong forming bond between Pasha and the Countess, Julian couldn't help the small pang of longing swell somewhere within himself. He couldn't stop his mind from pushing forward memories he tried to bury and lock away.

"Ilya, help! I'm slipping!"

"Don't worry, I'll catch you!"

The longing pang quickly turned to pain as the memories rushes back to the surface. He could feel his hand start to tremble as the formerly locked away memories barrels it's way to the front of his mind. Jumbled memories of playing tag and tending to scraped knees should have made him feel fond but it makes feel nothing but longing. Longing for a time and companionship he knows he'll never be able to have again.

Taking a deep breath, he hadn't noticed that he had closed his eyes until he opened them. With him being occupied with trying to stir himself away from the path of self-loathing once again, he hadn't noticed how quiet the cottage had gotten, its other residents looking at him with concerned eyes. Not even the Familiars scattered in the room made a noise.

He forced a laugh to ease the sudden change of atmosphere in the cottage, hoping it sounded convincing enough to clear the concern away from his family and friends' eyes. While he has come to terms that it's okay to ask and receive help instead of keeping things to himself, he still struggles with it. And it was obvious with the way he tries to act like he was okay, that he wasn't just bombarded with memories he doesn't want to remember.

"What is with that look, my dear friends? I am perfectly well, no worries!" he exclaimed, giving them his usual smirk and raised eyebrow, internally hoping it'll be enough to convince them that there was nothing to be concerned about. "There is nothing in this world that this handsome and smart devil can't handle!" His little comment about himself seems to be the right thing to say as his friends immediately rolled their eyes in fond exasperation. Although, by the look of his sister and honorary grandmother, he guessed that they have seen right through him and he can already see his funeral-

He gave a small sigh and let a small weary look replace his earlier expression, "I'll just head outside to take in a quick breath of fresh air," he said as he quickly exited the cottage before his two family member could say anything. Knowing that they'll probably just follow right after him, he quickly made his way away from the cottage and into the hedge maze by the palace gardens. It took him a while to get to the center but he was relieved to see it empty. Consul Valerius has taken to drinking his usual wine there in this time so he was quite happy to see that for once, the Consul broke his routine. He needed to be alone right now.

Taking a seat in one of the chairs surrounding a rounded table, he crossed his arms on the table and used it to rest his head upon. Taking another deep breath to calm his racing heart, he closed his eyes.

Maybe he needs to stop locking away these memories, he has only done so before due to his need to focus on finding the cure for the plague and then having to focus to not get caught by the patrolling palace guards when he was still a wanted convict. The memories and the longing for his childhood best friend used to be a big distraction for him while he was still working under Valdemar.

He didn't need to do any of those anymore... So maybe...

The soft rapid footsteps echoed in the small forest near the town of Nevivon, followed by the childish giggling of two children. Both children wore a tattered white sheet of cloth, the corners wrapped around their necks in a way that resembles that of a cape. Whilst in their heads rests crudely made paper crowns.

Young Julian and his best friend, (Y/N), were already considered too old for these kind of games by some of the grandmas and fellow children but the two gave them no mind, choosing to continue living in their fantasy world until they were truly too old for it.

The two children stopped once they have reached the center of the forest where a small meadow hides in. It was decorated by dozens of wild flowers and the breeze were always refreshing. The two has deemed this as their spot when they had first found it years ago, back when they were much younger.

They call the meadow as their kingdom, where they are the rulers, side by side as King and Queen. The wild flowers are their loyal subjects and sometimes, when Pasha joins them, she acts as their ambassador.

Young Julian kneeled as they reach the very center that they always keep clean, it was their designated throne room. The young boy carefully plucked a blue hued flower from the ground, he didn't know what kind of flower it was but it was pretty, a perfect gift for his 'Queen'

As if mocking the reminiscing man, right across from him and innocently clinging to the hedge wall was the very same flower that he had picked back then. He didn't know if he wants to sneer at it or be fond of it. He wished he has a glass of Salty Bitters right now, maybe he should have headed to Rowdy Raven instead of here.

"Would you have approved of the man that I have become, (Y/N)?" he whispered as he stares at the flower, as if it would miraculously turn into his childhood friend and answer him. Maybe that was possible? Allen did transform him into Asra back then, would the illusion work on a plant as well? But then again, that will be all it'll ever be. Just an illusion.

The grandmas all exchanged fond gazes as they watch their resident troublemakers sing songs with all their heart, their love for the dramatic was very much obvious at that moment.

Little Portia was banging on pots like drums by the sidelines, sometimes singing some lines as well when prompted by either her older brother or the girl she was starting to see as her older sister.

He stood up from his place and started to make his way out of maze. He wasn't going to go back in the cottage nor was he in any hurry, he just felt too restless to stay sitted in one place. He has gotten used to always moving around with all his running from guards and fighting a Major Arcana. But before he went back to trying to find his way in the maze, he stopped in front of the flower that he has been staring at.

It was a small flower with 6 petals that looks blue and violet at the same time, the bud in the middle was light green in color and it was the only flower growing in the hedge. From what Julian remembers, these flowers grow in bundles. So to see one so alone, well, it didn't help the growing hole inside him.

Gently plucking the flower like he did so in his childhood, he observed the flower a little more before making his way back into maze, taking the small flower with him. Surely, the Countess would not mind him plucking such a small wild flower, now would she?

Julian looked up from his book as he felt something soft being places om his hair, looking up, he saw (Y/N) placing what looks to be a bunch of flowers weaved together in a circlet manner on top of his head. Something similar on her own head as well.

"What are you doing, peanut?" he asked the girl, gently closing his book and waiting for the other to finish adjusting the flowers. He had taken to calling her 'Peanut' after he had caught her trying to sneakily take the peanuts in the communal pantry. He didn't snitch to the grandmas, of course.

"Just adjusting your flower crown, bum-bum" she answered, making small more adjustments before appearing satisfied that the flower crown both looks good and will surely stay on her friend's head when they begin to trek their way home later.

The Doctor surprisingly got out pretty easy, definitely faster than when he was first trying to get to the heart of the maze. Looking down at the flower, he let a sad smile adorn his face.

"I suppose even after all these years, you're still my lucky charm, huh, (Y/N)?" he mumbled under his breath, giving the one of the petals a small kiss before continuing to walk.

He didn't really have a destination, the palace grounds was vast and there are still some areas of it that he hasn't been to. Maybe a little exploring wouldn't hurt? He hopes Pasha wouldn't get too worried if he takes too long to get back to her cottage, he does often find himself in troubling situations.

"You know what? I wouldn't even ask how you manage to be in this situation." (Y/N) said, crossing her arms as she narrows her eyes at the boy dangling before her.

Julian had, at that moment, managed to get himself tangled in the vines surrounding the branches of the tree. Truth be told, he was trying to climb the tree in order to get fresh fruits for his sister and best friend. But when he finally managed to get on a branch, a crow suddenly flew out of its nest and caused him to go off balance, fortunately being caught by the vines, no matter how tangled up he got.

He wouldn't tell her that though, lord knows she wouldn't let him live it down.

"Why, my dear peanut, I was just trying to see how strong these vines are and if they would make a good rope!" It was honestly a good excuse for him, but apprently not good enough for (Y/N) as she just raised her eyebrow at him, clearly not believing him.

After a good bit of exploring, he manages to find himself near the fountains where he saw the trio couple making their way back to the palace. Were they on their way home already? How long has he been outside? Shaking his head, he called for their attention and made his way to them.

"Going home already?" he asked, raising a brow as he observes the many colorful flowers adoring Muriel's hair. It was quite a new look on the tall man but it surprisingly suits him. Seeing his friend give him a narrowed look, he moved his gaze to the two magicians.

"Yeah, I'm feeling quite a bit tired already and Asra wanted to do a quick inventory of the stocks we have left in the shop" Allen explained, moving to lightly keep their wild green hair out of their sight. It was getting a little long, they might need a cut soon. "Though, we don't plan to stay there for the whole night, just a quick inventory and dinner then straight to Muri's where we'll sleep for tonight" the apprentice added, giving the taller doctor a smile.

"I see, I see! Well, don't let me hold you back for any longer, have a safe walk home!" he exclaimed, moving to walk further before he was stopped by a gentle grip on his wrist. Turning back, he saw that it was Allen who held him back. He could see the concern swirling in their green eyes but the smile never faltered away from their face. "Yes, dear?" he asked.

"You know you can talk to us if there's something bothering you, right? You don't have to if you're not comfortable but just remember that we're here, okay?" Moved by their words, Julian pulled them into a sideway hug and let out a genuine laugh. He was so lucky to have his friends. Sometimes he still thinks he doesn't deserve them but he knew to keep it to himself for now. He didn't fancy sitting through another lecture session about his self worth by his sister again.

"Aw, Allen, don't you worry about lil 'ol me! I'm quite alright now!" That was a lie, he was far from alright, but his friend doesn't need to know that. "I may talk to Pasha and Mazelinka about it so no need to worry that cute little head of yours" That seemed to settle the Apprentice as they pulled away from the hug and gave his arm one last pat before moving to stand between their partners.

"You should do that now before Portia wears a hole in her carpet with how much she's pacing when we left" Asra said before he and the other two gave the auburn haired man one last wave and left.

Deciding to do as his magician friend said, he started his way back to his sister's cottage. Earlier was such a good day, it wouldn't do to plague his sister with worries and sour up the light mood. He already did that earlier before he walked out, best not make it worse.

Looking up at the dark sky, he smiled as he admires the scattered stars. It was a beautiful night, the full moon was giving the world such a soft look and it made things seem so peaceful. It made him feel like he was back to laying in the meadow near Nevivon. Like he was laying next to... Next to...

He wasn't able to wipe away his tears before they begun to fall down his cheeks. A sob fought its way out of his throat as he falls to a crouch.

Fuck, he wants to go back. He really really wants to go back-

Julian observed the wide sky and the many stars on them, it was a beautiful night and the night breeze was cold and as he lays on the equally cool grass of the meadow, it soothes his heated skin. It made him sigh in contentment, what more could he want?

Looking at his left, he smiled as he sees his sleeping sister. The little girl had decided to join them that night in their nightly star gazing but it didn't take long before she fell asleep, not used to staying up later than her bedtime. He'll have to carry her home later on.

The sight on his right took his breath away. Blush rushed to his face as he seems to see his best friend in a completely different light.

There, laying beside him, was (Y/N). The moonlight was softly hitting her face, and it made her (eye color) so much more brighter like gems, like the stars that littered the dark sky above them. Her laugh as she continues to talk about the astrology that she learned from Mazelinka, sounds like soothing bells to his ears.

Since when has his peanut became this... pretty?

He longs to be in her arms again, he longs to hear her voice again. No doubt it would still sound like music to his ears. He wants to make flower crowns again, he wants to play king and queen again, he wants to stargaze with her again, he wants to sneakily steal cookies, hangout by the hot springs, pick flowers for the grandmas, share lessons with Lilinka, he wants to...

He really wants to see her again.

Julian sat on her bed by her side, his hand gently holding her weaker and much fragile one, her illness eating away her strength. Her ring finger still holds the flower ring he had made earlier that week, it was already wilting but the girl refuses to take it off.

"I made up my mind." he said, breaking the solemn silence in the room. It made the other look at him curiously, waiting for him to elaborate.

"I'll take the offer to study medicine in Prakra" he explained, finally looking at his best friend and secretly, the girl who has his heart in her gentle grip for he doesn't think his bestfriend could ever be harsh, other than when she's twisting his ear for getting in trouble without her

But he can't, he knew he can't. She probably hates him, gotten word of his 'crimes' and no longer sees him as her best friend. But as a murderer, a plague doctor who assisted his superior on experimenting to dying plague victims in search of the cure.

She probably already has a family of her own now, has 3 children like she once said she wanted. Probably has a nice spouse that always makes her laugh and will never hurt her. A spouse that doesn't have their sins still haunting them in every step and breath they take.

"You're leaving me?" the pain in her voice was clear, she was hurt at the thought. They had planned to wait for her to be cured before they decide to go out of their hometown to travel, to study medicine like they always dreamed of.

"Not for long, I know we planned to study together but..." He took a deep breath, "I'm doing this for you, (Y/N), I want to study now for you"

Silence filled the room once again.

Julian clutched up at his coat, the place right over his heart where it hurts the most. He had completely fallen to his knees, tears continues to drip down to the ground from his eyes, his other hand gripping the ground.

Whispered apologies leaving his mouth over and over again.

"Promise me you'll come back? That you won't forget about me?"

Julian stared at his love's dull but hopeful (eye color) orbs, hisbhand momentarily leaving hers to gently caress her cheek.

"I'm so sorry... (Y/N), I'm so sorry..."

"I promise"

"I broke our promise... I'm so sorry, my love..."

[...]

Meanwhile, in the same meadow of Julian's memories, sits a much grown up version of the girl in his memories. Body trembling as sobs come right after one another, clutching a bundle of those same blue wildflowers to her chest. Her eyes tightly shut as tears falls to the ground of her childhood. The girl looked up, staring at the same moon that Julian was previously admiring.

"Where are you, Ilya? I thought you'll come back... You promised... You promised..."

Anyone interested in a reunion sequel? 👀

My apologies if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes, I just woke up when I finished this lol

Anyways, I hope you all liked this! Let me know what you think, don't be shy! 💙

[salsdemise]

Hey hey heeyyy :)))

first of all i just wanted to say that i love ur posts smm 🥺❤

Could i please request a bit of a comfort fic for Asra regarding a mc (fem!reader- she/her) who is deeply insecure about her height!?

For context i am Asra's height and i always felt soooo insecure about being tall and not being perceived as feminine enough for a woman :(

Asra is such a comfort character for me svsbsb i started following you since that post about the teasing!mc AND OH GOD, THAT PART WHERE HES TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH HE LOVES THE APPRENDICE TO OTHER PEOPLE LITERALLY CHOKESLAMMED MY HEART AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AND THE TAKING HER AWAY TO DANCE???????DAYUMMMMMM✋😩

sorry for being so long hsvshab love yaaa <3

AAAA ANON TY SM THAT MEANS A LOT!!

I’m so glad you liked that fic!! I’m more than glad to write this for you! Tall women are super pretty and just as feminine as short or average height women!!

and its a-ok this was a little long!

Asra x fem!mc who’s insecure about being as tall as them :))

Notes: switching between they/them and he/him for asra, love for tall women <3/p, s/o used for you instead of y/n or mc lol(this fic kinda sucks so theres hcs at the bottom!), asra's text is in pink

Cw: body dysmorphia, generally just kinda self-doubt.

Today was tiring, for both you and Asra. While Asra went out to help Nadia with surveying her people, asking what they thought was an issue to be fixed, you stayed home, at the shop, running it and closing. Being left alone all day, with your thoughts and such, made you exhausted.

When Asra came home, he half expected you to be asleep at the counter, faust on your shoulders. But upon entering and seeing the shop tidy and quiet, he ventured upstairs to your shared room. What they weren’t expecting was to see you laying on the bed, curled in a ball and looking tired and sad.

“S/O? What’s wrong?” they spoke, taking off their scarf, bag and vest as well as their boots before sitting on the bed next to your curled up form.

You sighed, moving so you could sit up, your knees pulled to your chest, “Asra, am I,,I dunno, am I,, not feminine enough?”

Asra was visibly shocked at your words, putting their hands on your shoulders, “My dear, where is this coming from so suddenly? Why would you think you’re not ‘feminine’ enough?”

“My height, Asra. I’m as tall as you are, don’t you think it’s a little weird? A girl like me, as tall as her partner is-is weird!”

“Oh s/o, don’t you think like that. Just because you’re tall doesn’t mean you're any less feminine. It just means we’re the same height, and there’s nothing ‘weird’ or wrong about that,” Asra brings you into a hug, holding you close to his chest, your arms wrap around him too. “Height doesn’t define masculinity or femininity. You could be as tall as Muriel and still be just as feminie as smaller women. You’re perfect the way you are, my love.”

Smiling, you moved to kiss his cheek, “Thank you, Asra.” “Of course, my dear.” Bonus: hcs!(bc the fic kinda sucked) -Asra fucking loves you no matter what, if you wear heels that make you taller than him he swoons

-He’ll re-assure you for anything. No matter what

-if someone caused this insecurity by commenting on it, him, pasha and Ilya will be,,talking to them -You guys can probably wear each others clothes and they’ll be dressing up like you sometimes

- you mentioned you liked the dancing bit last time so,,,

-Asra likes to just take you places and dance with you and will even set it up so that as it goes on he’ll be able to bend down to kiss you -like that one scene of greg and rose from SU where he tries to fuse with her -he likes picking you up even if it is just that little bit and you end up on the floor -he loves that you’re as tall as him though.

-they don’t know why it’s just cool

[whoisbxcky]

What Is, And What Should Never Be

summary: You wake up one morning to find yourself in an alternate reality, in which the Avengers never came to be, and your friends are living perfect civilian lives. However, things are not all they appear to be, and you find yourself facing the worst fear you never knew you had.

pairing: bucky x reader

word count: 5k

warnings: all of them. (angst, mentions of substance abuse and rehab, death, angst)

author’s note: so, i’m pretty sure i hate this, but it’s been ages since i posted anything and i need this super long monstrosity out of my wip folder.

kind of super hating my writing right now with 0 motivation or creativity behind me but i guess mental health gotta mental health. if anyone actually reads this, i appreciate you. peace. ~ Toria.

You groaned softly as light trickled over your weary eyes, the cool breeze from your window, set ajar, ruffling the strands of hair that hung delicately around your face. Consciousness was beginning to come to you as the gentle twittering of birds carried through your room, rousing you from strange dreams that slipped away into the darkness of your subconscious as you woke. You yawned, rolling from your back to your side and throwing one arm out to wrap around the muscular form beside you, seeking its familiar warmth and security.

Your eyes shot open wildly as cold air greeted your skin instead.

You sat up with a start, glancing at the space beside you, which lay unusually empty.

How strange, you thought to yourself, normally Bucky wakes me up for our morning run.

You glanced at the alarm clock on your beside table, which told you that you had overslept by at least three hours, the numbers 10:03 flashing idly at you somehow made the knot in your stomach twist even tighter.

“Bucky? Hey, Buck…? Babe, are you here?” You called out, fighting to keep the panicked tone from your voice. However, the silence of your shared apartment in the Avengers tower was all that replied.

You padded wearily towards your closet, pulling out the first bit of clothing your trembling hands could grasp as your mind raced at a million miles an hour.

Where is he? Has something happened? Is he safe?

“Friday!” You blurted out suddenly as your sleep-addled brain began to catch up with you. “Friday, location on Sgt. Barnes?”

Silence.

“Friday?”

Still, no response.

“What in the…-“

“Good morning Miss Y/L/N, how may I be of assistance?” An unfamiliar female voice reverberated around the room.

“F-Friday?” You took a cautionary step into your closet, what the hell was going on around here?

“I’m afraid not, Miss Y/L/N. I am Pasha- Potts Apartments Security and Helpline Automaton. Does Miss Y/L/N require assistance at this time?”

“Back up there, did you just say Potts Apartments?” You questioned.

“Of course, Miss Y/L/N. That is where you live.”

“Potts Apartments…? Not… The Avengers tower?”

“Correct.”

“Is this… Friday if this is some kind of sick practical joke… O-Or a training exercise… I swear if Bucky is behind this, I’ll… I’ll…” You broke off with an anguished cry, confusion making your head throb.

“Are you quite sure you do not require assistance, Miss Y/L/N?”

You stared, slack-jawed and wide-eyed, around your room. This was your room, wasn’t it? It certainly looked like your room. Dumbbells in the corner, alarm clock on the bedside table, Forget-me-nots in their vase on the windowsill, picture of you and Bucky on the-

You gasped, stumbling from your hiding spot in the closet to your bedside table. You collapsed to your knees as your stared at the vacant spot on the tabletop, where once a picture of you and Bucky on vacation in Bucharest had stood.

“What… What is… Happening…” You felt panic begin to settle uncomfortably in your stomach, your voice thin and raspy as you choked back a sob.

Where was Bucky? Where were you? What was happening?

“Fri- I mean, Pasha? Where is Sgt. Barnes?”

There was a pause, then the cold, unfamiliar tone responded.

“Contact not found.”

“Excuse me?”

“That is to say, Miss Y/L/N, that there is no Sgt. Barnes in your contact log.”

“You… Okay, what about James Buchanan Barnes?”

“Contact not found.”

You let out a frustrated growl, slamming your fist into the bedside table, causing the alarm clock to topple rather unceremoniously off into the bin beside it.

“What… What about Nat? Is Natasha Romanoff in my ‘contact log’?” You challenged.

“Mrs Natasha Banner, nee Romanoff, is in your contact log. Confirmed.”

“Natasha… Banner?”

“Correct, Miss Y/L/N.”

“Am I… I’m having a stroke, right? Or I’ve been drugged and I’m on some crazy trip-”

“Negative. Miss Y/L/N, your vital signs include an elevated heart rate, but no indication of illness.”

“Oh.” You whispered, staring at your bleeding knuckles through tear blurred eyes.

You hadn’t a clue what was going on. Was this some elaborate prank? Had you been kidnapped by aliens and sent to a parallel world? Were you dead?

You needed answers. You needed to find Bucky.

“Pasha, call Natasha Rom- I mean, Banner.”

“Dialling Miss Natasha Banner.”

You sat with your knees pulled up to your chest as the call tone rang out around your bedroom. The white walls suddenly felt uncomfortable, almost clinical. The bird song was gone, and you could tell that the sun had disappeared behind clouds as your room was plunged into a dull grey hue.

On the sixth ring, the call picked up.

“… Nat?” You called out, uncertainty making your voice quiver.

“Y/N…? Is everything alright?”

You almost sobbed with relief at the sound of her familiar voice, scrambling to sit on the side of your bed.

“Nat, thank god. I… I don’t know what’s going on. I think something might have happened, where are you?”

There was silence for a moment, before Natasha responded, her voice taking on an accusatory tone.

“I’m… At home? I just dropped the kids off at playgroup… Why? Are you alright?”

“The… Kids…?” You whispered in a horrified tone.

“Yes, Y/N, my children? What’s wrong with you? Are you at home?” Natasha questioned.

“Your children… R-Right… Of course.”

You heard an irritated sigh on the other end of the line before Natasha continued. “Y/N, are you on something? Do you need me to send someone over? Bruce is at a board meeting until this afternoon, but I can get Gerald to fetch you…”

“Gerald…?”

“Our butler? Honestly, Y/N, I know it’s been a few months since we last spoke but really-”

“Your butler…? A- a few months...” You whispered to yourself, your mind numb with horror.

“I knew living alone after they released you was a mistake. I just knew it. I’ll get Gerald to pick you up right away.”

“Wait, what? Who released me from where, Nat?”

You heard Nat give another sigh, this one half in exasperation, half pity, from what you could tell. You cringed inwardly.

“The clinic, Y/N. Don’t you remember?”

“I… Clinic… What…” You stumbled over your words and the world seemed to tilt sickeningly. This couldn’t be real. It couldn’t be. There was no way…

“For god’s sake, Y/N. Stay right where you are, I’m sending Gerald over to pick you up right now.”

...

Twenty-five minutes and one incredibly uncomfortable car ride later, you were perched on the edge of a very expensive looking silk lounger, a cup of tea clutched between your trembling hands. Natasha sat opposite you, her concerned frown causing wrinkles to form in between her eyebrows.

“Y/N…” She murmured, reaching out to clasp your arm. You gave a start, almost spilling the contents of your mug all over the faux-fur rug beneath your feet.

Natasha gave a compassionate sigh, gingerly removing your beverage from your grasp before kneeling in front of you, clasping your ice-cold digits in her own.

“Why don’t you tell me what’s going on, Y/N?”

You gulped, trying to find the words to describe the predicament you’d found yourself in this morning.

“I… I would… If I knew myself.” You paused, letting out an exasperated sigh. “I… Think I was attacked last night. Maybe hit my head. I don’t remember anything about myself, or my life. Or… Anything, really…”

You bit your lip anxiously. You hated to lie to Nat, but somehow a manufactured beat down felt significantly more believable than your alternate dimension or alien abduction theories.

“Oh, sweetie, that’s dreadful!” Nat gasped, moving to sit next to you on the couch. You couldn’t help but frown at the frantic tone of her voice. Nat- Your Nat- Would never be phased by something so… Mundane. “Did you file a police report? Go to the hospital? I can have Gerald take you right now-”

“Actually, Nat.” You fought to hide your grimace. “I was hoping you could… Help me fill in the blanks.”

She stared at you for a moment, puzzlement evident on her expression.

“It’s just, you know, it might help me remember everything again, like… Who attacked me last night? You know, no point going to the cops without a description… And that… Sort of thing…” You trailed off, hoping your shaky tone didn’t betray the ruse.

You were in luck, as it appeared that this version of Natasha was apparently as well trained in the art of espionage as a cucumber might be.

“Oh… Of course, how silly of me! That makes sense.” She smiled brightly at you, clutching your hand in hers. You offered her a strained smile in turn.

“Well, let’s see… Your name is Y/N Y/L/N. You grew up in Brooklyn, just down the road from my darling Bruce, funnily enough. We went to high school together, I went on to major in Law at Stanford, naturally, and you were supposed to be coming with me until… Well…”

Natasha trailed off, her grip loosening on your hand as she refused to meet your gaze.

“Until… What, Nat?” You pressed her, trying to ignore the sense of dread settling in your stomach.

“Oh, gosh. I’m sorry Y/N, it’s just this is a lot for you to hear for the ‘first time’, and I’m really not qualified to be telling you this sort of thing and-”

“Nat.” You gripped her arm, the hairs on your own standing to full attention. “Please.”

She sighed, crossing her legs as she shifted her weight around to face you properly. She spoke in a careful tone, as if she were talking to a confused child. You felt like one, in that moment.

“Until you went off the rails, Y/N. You started partying, hard. Hanging around with the wrong crowd. Drinking, drugs, you name it.” She stated evenly.

You felt as if a bucket of ice-cold water had just been dumped over you, and you stared blankly at your supposed friend as your mind raced to process what you were hearing.

You… Drugs? Partying? There was no way… Even faced with the worst moments of your life, you’d turned to a bottle of Scotch at worst, but that was the end of it. This didn’t sound like you at all.

“Nat… Why… What happened? Why did I…?” You choked out the words, feeling the bile rise in your throat.

“Your parents… Y/N… They were murdered…” Nat whispered.

Of course. Your parents’ murder had been the catalyst that had led to you becoming an Avenger in the first place. In your world, avenging their deaths had been your raison d’être, and because of that you’d found purpose in life. In this world, however, it was clear that you’d opted for a hard pass on the self-betterment chapter. Excellent.

“So… The clinic…?” You pressed on, curiosity making you forget your ‘dazed and confused old friend act’. Natasha looked wearily at you but continued.

“Things were bad. Then, they got worse. We didn’t have a choice, Y/N. It was either get you help or lose you completely.”

“What do you mean, we?”

“Me and Bucky-“

“Bucky?” You cut her off, relief and excitement making your head spin as you gripped Natasha’s arm enthusiastically once more. “Nat, where is he? I need to see him.”

“I… I don’t think that’s a good idea, Y/N-“

“Nat, please.” You shot her your best imploring look, complete with pouted lips and doe eyes.

Natasha stared at you for a beat, before rolling her eyes with a sigh as she waved into the next room, summoning Gerald once more.

“Have it your way. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

...

Yet another half an hour car ride in silence later, and you pulled up in front of an obnoxiously tall building, entirely made of glass. You let out a gasp of surprise on seeing the names “Barnes & Rogers” printed above the entrance in intricate gold lettering.

So, Bucky and Steve made it big in this world, just like Bruce and Nat. Meanwhile you’d… Well, not done quite so hot, by the sounds of it.

You tentatively made your way inside, cautiously making your way over to the front desk, where an incredibly beautiful woman with flowing auburn locks and striking emerald eyes glanced up from her computer. As soon as she saw you, her expression soured.

“Ahem. Miss Y/L/N. What are you doing here?” She questioned in a faux honeyed tone, her eyes narrowing as she looked you up and down. You glared back, affronted by the obvious contempt the stranger held for you.

“I… Uh… Need to see Bucky. Is he here?” You retorted, folding your arms, and trying to look as imposing as you could muster under the circumstances.

The red head snorted, folding her arms in turn.

“James only takes visitors by appointment, and I’m pretty sure his diary is full until… Oh… Let’s see… At least next June.” She smirked at you, tossing her hair with a snicker.

So, you thought to yourself, she has chosen death.

“Listen, Red.” You offered her a sickeningly sweet smile as you sauntered closer to the desk, speaking through gritted teeth. “I’ve had a really long day, and the last thing I need right now is attitude off of Botox-Barbie’s botched twin sister.”

The receptionist moved to argue back, but you slammed your hand down on hers, gripping her wrist in such a way that with an inch of pressure and torque, it would snap. She squealed, and you leaned in closer, your eyes narrowing to the point of near shutting.

“So, that in mind, I would really appreciate it if you’d shut up, and get me in to see Bucky. Now.”

The girl stared at you with wide, terror-stricken eyes for a moment, before nodding fervently and raising her free hand, which was shaking something fierce, to point towards the gold-plated elevator on the far side of the room.

“Th-The access code is 1930, Mr B-Barnes’ office is on floor 107.” She stammered, gingerly snatching her wrist from your loosening grasp as you hastily made your way across the hall, not bothering to glance back.

As you rode the elevator up, your mind raced at a million miles an hour, and you suddenly questioned your decision to track Bucky down.

As far as you could tell, your friends were happy and successful in this world, or at least that seemed to be the general trend from what you’d learned thus far. But what had happened to the New York invasion? Or Ultron? Or even Hydra, for that matter? Had all of these catastrophic events simply failed to take place in this world? Or had someone else neutralised the threat in lieu of your teammates and you? It seemed so surreal, the Avengers donning skirts and suits over combat gear, and dinner parties over training sessions. And Bucky…

Your stomach flipped uneasily as a horrifying thought popped into your mind, causing a wave of nausea that threatened to double you over.

Was the key to Bucky’s happiness and success not being with you…?

No.

You mentally slapped yourself. Tranquil as it may seem, this place was totally backwards. You loved Bucky and Bucky loved you, and not all the money in the world was equal to that.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the elevator chimed and the door slid open to reveal an extravagant office space, adorned with gold and black furnishings that overlooked the New York skyline.

You stepped out wearily, gazing around the room in awe before your eyes settled on the figure that had just stood up from behind the grand oak desk in the centre of the room.

His hair was neatly tied into a bun at the nape of his neck, his face immaculately clean shaven. He wore a suit that looked like it could pay for your entire apartment, but the man making his way towards you was unmistakably James Buchanan Barnes.

“Oh my god… Bucky!” You cried out, barrelling towards him with tears in your eyes. Finally, you thought to yourself, I found him.

You threw yourself into his arms, burying your face in his chest and letting out a shuddering breath you hadn’t realised you were holding. For a moment, Bucky’s arms came to rest on your waist, and you relished in the familiarity of his grasp. The next moment, however, his harsh, strained tone broke you out of your reverie like yet another bucket of ice water being dumped on your head.

“Y/N… What the hell are you doing?”

Your eyes shot open in surprise as Bucky practically tore you off him, pushing you away into the middle of the room.

“Bucky… I… What… Do you mean…?” You stammered, feeling as if your heart might stop at any given moment.

“Exactly what I just said. What the hell are you doing here? And why did I just get a call from Dot telling me you attacked her?” He questioned gruffly.

You stared at him dumbly for a moment before your brain registered that Dot must be the belligerent bimbo at the front desk.

“Ah… I mean, attacked is a little melodramatic. I just, I really needed to see you-“

“Why?” Bucky snapped, folding his arms impatiently.

“I… Well…”

“I mean seriously, Y/N. It’s been almost a year since we broke up. What in the hell could you have to say to me after all this time? And why now?” Bucky continued; the venom abundantly clear in his tone.

You felt bile rise in your throat once more, we broke up?

“What… Why… We…”

You stumbled over your words once more, staring back at the man you loved in horror.

“Seriously, Y/N?” Bucky scoffed, moving to lean nonchalantly against his desk. He cleared his throat, fixing you with a cool gaze before continuing. “Remember? We broke up a year ago. Or at least I had to assume we did, since you disappeared without saying a word to me.”

You gaped at him in disbelief for a couple of beats, before forcing words from your now bone-dry throat.

“Back up… you’re saying I just up and left you? No discussion? Nada?”

“… Yes, Y/N. You just left. How can you not remember? Are you on something again?” Bucky practically snarled, moving towards you to grip your chin so that he could examine your eyes. You reflexively pulled yourself free from his grasp, affronted by his brutishness towards you.

“What? No… No… I’m just… Trying to figure this all out…” You reasoned, rubbing your chin where his fingers had dug into the skin. You caught Bucky’s incredulous gaze on you and quickly recalled your cover story for your complete lack of awareness of your own past. “It’s just… You see I was attacked last night. Hit my head. Been in a bit of a stupor ever since…” You thought you saw a flash of compassion in his eyes for a moment, but in a blink, they were steel once more. Cold and entirely unwelcoming.

“One of your junkie friends?” He retorted, shooting you another icy glare.

“Stranger. I was walking home from a job interview, actually.” You lied through your teeth. But despite the ruse, you found yourself determined to defend yourself again Bucky’s boorish attitude. Whatever had gone on between you two had clearly left more than just a bitter taste in his mouth.

Bucky’s expression softened at that, and for a moment the two of you just stood in silence, neither one sure exactly what to say to the other. Finally, you cleared your throat to speak once more.

“I just can’t imagine a world where I’d ever leave you willingly.” You murmured as gave a defeated sigh, running a hand through your dishevelled hair.

“Well, neither could I, at one time.” You caught just a glimmer of remorse in Bucky’s tone as he muttered in response, and for a moment your eyes met, and you forgot all about your current quandary. For a moment, it was just you and Bucky. However, as quickly as your reverie came, it passed as Bucky’s voice broke through the silence once more. “I am sorry if you have regrets now, Y/N, but I’ve moved on with my life. And I think you should too.”

All you could manage was to gawk at him, disbelief, shock and anger running a muck inside your chest.

What kind of a sick alternate reality had you found yourself in? You’d walked away from the man you loved, self-medicated yourself into a holding cell and now? Where in the hell did you go from here?

“Bucky… I… There has to be something… Some way I can make this right…” You could hear the tremble in your voice, feel the tears burning the backs of your eyes. This was all too much; you just wanted your life back. Your life with Bucky back.

“Y/N…” You glanced up with glassy eyes on hearing the hesitation in Bucky’s voice. You saw the pained expression on his face.

No, not pained. Pitiful.

It was at that moment that you felt obligated to break eye contact once more, afraid that if you stared into those deep, blue eyes you’d called home until this morning any longer, you’d lose what precious little resolve you had left.

It was also at that moment that your eyes happened to land on a photo frame that was sitting at an angle on Bucky’s desk. Just far enough around for you to make out the image inside its glass casing.

Bucky. Smiling. With his arm around a girl. The red head from the front desk.

I’ve moved on… You should too…

Bucky noticed the change in your expression, going from pained to absolute despair, and followed your gaze to the photograph in question.

You heard him sigh, saw him move to walk towards you out of the corner of your eye. But you were already on your feet, making a b-line for the elevator.

“Y/N, hold on a minute.” Bucky called after you as you furiously pressed the button to summon your escape. You had to get out of here, you felt the bile rising in your throat once again, your lungs constricting painfully in your chest.

“Y/N, what was I supposed to do? You were gone, I couldn’t just wait around forever hoping you’d come back…” Bucky was almost upon you now, you could feel him getting closer. It only made your chest tighten more.

You had to get out. This was all wrong, this was so, so wrong.

You were inside the elevator and watching the doors slide shut just seconds before Bucky reached you, and you heard him curse as him fist connected with the elevator doors.

You battled with yourself as you made your agonisingly slow descent, willing your breath to even out, and your heart to give you some respite from the ache that threatened to overtake you entirely.

Surely, you thought to yourself, this is hell. I’ve died and gone straight to the pit. There’s no other way-

You became acutely aware of the elevator doors sliding open, and your feet began to carry you towards the exit of their own accord as your mind continued to spiral. Next thing you knew, Bucky appeared on your right-hand side, calling out to you.

Emergency stairwell. Should have seen that one coming. You noted impassively as you continued your hasty retreat to the grand glass door at the front of the building.

You were vaguely aware of Dot, the receptionist, Bucky’s girl, shouting from where she stood behind the desk. Bucky shouting back, then shouting for you to stop. But you paid them no mind. All you could think about was getting out of that hellhole, trying to find your way home. Home to Bucky. Your Bucky.

You flung the clear door panel open, stumbling out onto the street as you gasped for air. The earth seemed to rotate around you at a million miles an hour as you tried to get your bearings. Too many buildings, so overwhelmingly tall, crushing you under their imposing presence. The light was so bright, too bright, it made your ears ring and your eyes burn. Or was that the tears? Tears for the life you’d apparently lost, the love. But why? Why were you here? Where even was here? And how did you get home again?

That was the last thought that ran turbulently through your mind before your thoughts were brought to a sudden and dramatic stop by the blaring of a car horn. You turned on your heel just in time to realise you’d stumbled out onto the road in the midst of your chaotic musings. Just in time to see the black SUV speeding towards you. Just in time to realise there was no time at all for you to get away. Then came the impact.

The next thing you were aware of was the pain. So much pain. Yet, creeping in from the corners of your subconscious, a warm blanket began to overtake you, dulling the pain to a distant ache.

Bright lights flashed in your blurred vision, suddenly blotted out by a dark shape. A shape that called out to you from so very far away.

Bucky.

You longed to reach out for him, but somehow the further into the darkness you allowed yourself to slip, the clearer his voice became. Repeating your name over and over again, as if summoning you to him.

Y/N… Y/N… Y/N…

“Y/N!? Y/N!”

Your eyes shot open wildly as you gulped in air, clutching your chest in frantic desperation.

You flung your other arm out into the darkness around you, only to find your wrist in a very familiar, very welcome metal grip. You let out a sob of relief as your shoulders sagged.

“Bucky?”

The lamp on his bedside table flickered to life, and as your eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness, you found yourself face to face with your boyfriend. Your boyfriend whose expression was almost as terrified as your own.

“Doll… Are you alright? You were having a nightmare and I… I couldn’t wake you…” Bucky murmured in a shaky tone, as he tugged the wrist that was in his grasp to urge you into his sturdy embrace.

You let out a shuddering breath, allowing yourself to fall into his chest as your trembling arms snaked around his shoulders, clinging to him like your life depended on it.

“I… Don’t know.” You paused for a few minutes, allowing your breathing to return to normal and your shaking form to relax as Bucky rubbed soothing circles into your back, kissing the top of your head gingerly.

“That dream…” You continued, whispering into Bucky’s chest, “it was so real.”

“What happened?” Bucky quizzed, his voice hoarse with exhaustion, and worry.

You sucked in air, shuddering as the memory of your own person hell replayed vividly in your mind.

“I… Lost you.” Was all you managed to say, your voice cracking as tears spilled over your eyelashes.

Bucky squeezed you a little tighter then, rocking you both back and forth as he sighed.

“How’d I die this time?” He murmured, a hint of humour in his tone. It wasn’t uncommon for one of you to dream of the other’s demise, especially after a particularly high stakes mission.

You gulped then, shifting back slightly to meet Bucky’s gaze at last. He reached up to brush the tears that spilled down your cheeks away as you spoke.

“You didn’t. Die, I mean.”

Bucky gave you a quizzical look, his palm coming to rest cupped against your cheek. You continued.

“We’d… Broken up… And you… You had a new girlfriend… And an office building… And a suit… And-”

“Woah, woah, woah.” Bucky cut you off, giving your cheek an affectionate squeeze as he let his forehead fall against yours, his stormy blue eyes capturing your gaze. “First of all, I hate suits.”

You couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled up from deep in your chest. It was true, Bucky loathed the restrictive nature of formal attire after decades of wearing tactical gear and nothing but.

“Second of all,” Bucky continued, his voice taking on an earnest tone, “There’s no reality in the whole multiverse in which I’d ever want anyone but you, doll.”

You inhaled sharply, his heartfelt words making your chest flutter and your cheeks warm as you found yourself becoming lost in ocean blue and storm cloud grey.

“But… It felt so real.” You whispered, biting your lip as the memory of your nightmare threatened to break the comfortable trance Bucky had put you in.

However, as if sensing your unease, Bucky offered you a kitsune’s grin before he tugged your mouth towards his, brushing his lips over yours in a facsimile of a touch. The sensation of his warm breath fanning over your face, his lips so close to yours… But not quite making contact. You felt the heat rising in your core.

“Realer than this, doll?” Bucky murmured against your cheek as his feather light touch moved to your ear, his warm breath there making a shudder run down your spine. “Or how about this…?”

You sighed, a gentle smile spreading across your lips as you revelled in the familiarity of Bucky’s teasing gestures. He was right. This was reality, far from the nightmarish picture your subconscious had callously mustered up as you’d slept.

“I love you, Y/N. And I’m not going anywhere, I promise you.” Bucky whispered, drawing his face back up to yours to meet your heavy-lidded gaze once more.

“I love you too, Bucky.” You mumbled, pressing a chaste kiss against his lips as he lowered you back into the bed, wrapping you up in his warm, steady embrace.

He left the bedside light on as he lulled you back into unconsciousness with sweet whispers and soothing touches, only allowing himself to rest once he was satisfied you had drifted into a dreamless slumber. A slumber where even the cruellest parts of your own mind could no longer torture you with the image of a world in which you were unloved. A world, Bucky thought as sleep overtook him, that could simply never be.

-----

Part 2 | Part 3

[pastlivesandsecretdreams]

a new feeling - ibraham pasha x reader

“a new feeling”

ibrahim pasha x reader 

warnings :: none

request :: “Hi :) Idk if I'm doing it right and how much detail should I add. But I want to request for Magnificent Century. One of Ibrahim Pasha x reader, pleeeeease. Maybe their first kiss idk aaaah <3” 

word count : 540

song to listen to while reading : invisible string by taylor swift

you grew up in the french court, your mother being close with both the king and queen. so you were made lady-in-waiting to queen claude and came with her on a trip to the ottoman empire. it was well known around all of europe that you were regarded as “the most beautiful rose in france”. and as a result you got many marriage proposals, but turned them all down. you wanted someone who loved you for you, and not your physical beauty. you wanted someone who saw you immense intelligence. when you and the french court walked into the palace gates, you could feel the eyes of many, both men and women, on you. it was no shock that your father was a rich and powerful man based on your clothing. you wore a long red gown, styled in the french fashion and stood besides the queen and your dear friend, anne boleyn. the two of you were as thick as thieves and wanted the same things in life. you moved to stand in between the king and queen, listening and translating for them and the french court. this caught the eye of the sultan’s right hand man, ibraham. he could not tear his eyes from you until you and the french court left for your chambers. when it came time for the feast, you and your friends got the queen ready before doing the same for yourselves. you put on a blue gown and with a matching french hood that hid most of your (h/c) locks. you ate and laughed with anne the whole night. many of the ottoman men at court came and asked you to dance. you declined all, until one last man asked you to dance: ibraham. there was something about him that you liked. “may i ask your name?” he asked as you followed him to the dance floor. “(y/n).” you told him, smiling beautifully at the man before you. “beautiful as you, my lady.” a blush danced across your cheeks as the two of you talked and danced. he asked about you and what you liked to do. and as nerdy as it was, you told him you loved to read and write, something not many women did at the time. that entranced him. it seemed god himself looked down and blessed the two courtiers with a dash of love and romance. as night fell, he took your hand and lead you outside where you could be alone. your skin glowed in the moonlight. a hand graced yours, and you allowed it to hold your own. “how long are you staying, (y/n)?” he asked softly. you looked towards him and smiled. “two weeks. but...i could stay longer...should a reason arise…” you silently asked for his love and admiration. as if he understood, he leaned in and kissed your lips softly, which you quickly returned. his lips felt like home, something you didn’t even think possible. the way you felt in that moment didn’t come often in life. most relationships were transactional. but if god would bless you both more, you could see a life in the ottoman empire and in ibraham’s arms, a place you never wanted to leave. 

_____________________________________

i’m so sorry it’s so short! i hope you like it! and taylor’s new album has given me so much muse and so i’ve gotten a lot of ideas for many different characters, but mostly within the blue bloods fandom. 

remember to stay safe! and happy holidays!

gracie

[thebadgerclan]

One True Queen

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x reader

Summary: Long live the One True Queen...

Dress and crown reference at the end

It had been a bloody battle, but finally, there was peace.  The Lantsovs were dead, their bodies burned to ashes, the so-called Sun Saint’s head was on a pike outside the Grand Palace, the heads of her tracker and the Shu traitors alongside it.  Aleksander had finally achieved what he’d wanted for centuries: the Ravkan throne was his.  Already, he was proving the people wrong about what the Morozova rule would be like, shattering pre-conceived notions of his reign.

Aid was being sent to every city and village: food and clean water, medical supplies, farming tools, money was being allocated for repairs and improvements to major cities.  The war had been brutal, but Aleksander would not see his people suffer.  Both the First and Second Army were working to distribute aid to citizens, helping to rebuild villages, as well as being sent abroad to build relationships between Ravka and other countries.

But Aleksander could have done none of this without you by his side.  From the very beginning, you had been his anchor, his beacon, the sword in his hand and his shelter at the end of the day.  You had never questioned his ambition, never doubted his ability to lead.  You, unlike so many others, saw the changes that Ravka needed and saw that Aleksander was the only one who could bring them.  70 years ago, he’d made you his wife.  Today, he would make you his Queen.

The royal chapel had been razed, a monument to Grisha being erected in its place.  Three pillars of marble stood proudly: one engraved with the human heart, for the Corporalki, one embraced with a blazing fire, a crashing wave, and a gusting wing, for the Ehteralki, and one engraved with a hammer and poison vial, for the Materialki.  It was at this monument to Grisha and their power where you would be crowned Ravka’s One True Queen.

Aleksander stood beneath the canopy that had been erected, his crown of gold and obsidian on his head, a long black velvet cape on his shoulders, the sun in eclipse embroidered in silver thread.  The new Ravkan court was gathered to witness the coronation, and they turned to watch as you approached.  You wore a black ball gown, the sleeves flowing loosely to your elbows.  The bodice featured black beadwork that glittered in the sun, and Aleksander was in awe of your beauty as you approached.

You dipped into a deep curtsey, looking at your husband through your lashes.  Aleksander took your chin and gently pressed, indicating you should rise.  Pasha, his new second in command, stood at his side, a glimmering obsidian crown on a pillow that you eyed with interest.  Your husband smiled at you before he spoke, his voice clear and firm.  “Today, we gather to crown Ravka’s One True Queen, Y/N Morozova.  A brave and valiant soldier, a kind and just woman, and a beautiful and devoted wife.”

An Inferni appeared at your side, placing a cushioned kneeler between you and Aleksander.  You knelt gracefully, lifting your chin to look at him.  “Do you, Y/N Morozova, swear to defend and protect Ravka each and every day of your life?  Do you swear to uphold your duty as Queen, to serve your people, and to honor them?  Do you swear this on your life?”  “I swear it on my life,” you replied, a smile cracking over your features.  

Aleksander took your crown from Pasha’s grasp and settled it onto your head, black stones catching the rays of the setting sun.  The base of the crown was studded with the tracker’s bones, the last of Morozova’s amplifiers returned to the line.  It was symbolic, as you wore one of his ribs around your wrist, which was your true amplifier, and a gesture that would not go unnoticed.  Anyone who stood against the Morozova reign would be punished.  But seeing that it had only been a few weeks and the people were thriving and happy, that didn’t appear to pose an issue.

“Rise, my beloved,” Aleksander said, taking your hands in his.  When you were standing, your husband pulled you into a deep kiss, and for a moment, the court behind you faded away.  A few moments later, you turned to face the court, your subjects, and they all dropped to one knee.  “Long live Y/N,” Aleksander called.  “Ravka’s One True Queen!”  The court, still kneeling, bowed their heads.  

“Long live Queen Y/N!”  Aleksander took your hand and kissed it before looping his arm through yours.  He led you back to the Palace, the court rising and following as you passed.  The feast that followed lasted well into the night and early morning, with more food, drinks, and dancing to last a lifetime.  Your subjects came and pledged their loyalty, kissing your hand, and some kissing your hem.  But one thing was consistent, the cries of “Y/N, the One True Queen!”

[annoyedfanfiction]

Montgomery Scott x reader (2)

“(Y/N) what the hell were you thinking?” Jim demanded, before the doors even closed fully. Spock stayed close on his heels.

“I had a 48.5% chance of survival, compared to Scotty’s 17.5% chance,” you answered, trying to ignore the tremor in your voice. “It was logical.” “You sound like Spock,” Bones grumbled in the corner.

“I would have to argue that is not a bad thing, Doctor.” You swore you could see the smirk behind his calm exterior.

“Look, I did it. I lived. What’s the big deal?” you questioned, folding your arms defensively over your chest.

“The radiation has caused some mutations in your genetic code,” Spock answered, as Jim and Bones glanced at each other guiltily.

“And side effects?” you asked, turning to Bones.

“Well, I was fearing cancer,” he began, fiddling with the monitor by your bed. “But I cannot see any presence of any cancerous cells. However, it appears to have increased the level of radiation you can withstand, as well as the level of heat and cold.”

“But?” You squinted suspiciously at the two humans as Spock spoke again.

“I am sorry, Ensign, but you will be unable to bear children in the future, and the radiation burn scars down your neck can not be healed.” He watched you, curiously, but sympathetically, as you stared at him, before your eyes flickered to Bones and Jim.

“(Y/N)?” Jim queried, reaching for your hand. You jerked away, then looked back at him, seeing the hurt reflected in his blue eyes.

“Sorry, Captain.” You placed your hand back in his. “It is a lot to take in. Do I still have my posting on the Enterprise, sir?”

“Jim is fine, (Y/N),” he assured you, gently, “And of course. Keenser is far too attached to be letting you go, let alone Scotty.” A banging on the door punctuated his sentence, and the irritable clash of Scottish and Russian clamouring echoed into the room. 

“Speak of the devil,” Bones muttered, rolling his eyes. 

“Can I see them?” you asked, softly.

“If you’re sure?” He watched your face for any sign of disagreement, then nodded.

“Thank you.” You smiled, warmly, rearranging your position, as Jim and Spock exchanged themselves for Scotty and Chekov. 

Scotty was remarkably silent when he entered, and you weren’t sure if you trusted it, even as Chekov flapped around you.

“Pasha! Pav! I’m fine,” you soothed, grabbing Chekov’s flying hands in your own.

“You ran into ze varp core, (Y/N)!” he responded, slipping his hands out of yours and grabbing your face. “Ze. varp. core.”

“I had to, Pasha.” You pressed your hands to his, on your cheeks. “You would have done th’ exact same thing, and we all know it.” He closed his eyes, dropping his hands.

“Zat is vhat vorries me,” he sighed, opening his eyes again. “You vould do it again.”

“I dunno, Pash,” you offered, playfully, rubbing your neck, “I’m feeling like I need to nap for a week.” He rolled his blue eyes at you, ruffling your hair.

“I vill go and tell Keenser zat you are avake,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. “Zo I am not sure Dr McCoy vill allow him back in ze medical bay.”

“We all know even he can’t resist the combined power of yours and Keenser’s puppy dog eyes,” you informed him, warmly, as he disappeared down the corridor with one last, intense stare back at Scotty.

“Mr Scott, sir.” He still said nothing, just alternating his gaze between you and the floor.

“Nae.” He shook his head, looking up at you with brimming brown eyes.

“Scotty.” Your voice caught in your throat. “Ah’m sorry, ah didn’t– ah couldn’t lose you. Ah’m sorry, ah know yer ma CO and ah know it’s–” You cut yourself off as he stepped forward, still quiet, but shaking his head.

“Nae, lass.” He paused, hand hovering over yours, and he relaxed as you grasped his larger hand. “S’nae...I’m an auld man, lass. Ye’ve yer whole life...what if ye’d died? Ye’d’a lost errythin’, better an auld man–”

“Scotty.” Your voice was still quiet, but the firm tone snapped him into silence. “I wan’ you ta lis’en ta me clearly now. Yer no’ auld. An’ even if ye were, yer smart an’ kind an’ funny an’ yer age ain’t going to make a difference to me fallin’ fer you. Ah chose ta go intae tha’ core because I love you, auld man or no’.”

“Lass, ye can’t...”

“Don’t!” You cut him off, again holding up a hand. “I know ye’re my CO. I know s’against protocol. I dinnae need ye tae tell me tha’.”

“Ye cannae be serious.” He stared at you, brows furrowed.

“Aboot?” You folded your arms, stubbornly, and stared back at him.

“Me. This.” He flailed about the room a little. “Protocol or not, ah’m old enough tae be–” “Don’t even finish that sentence,” you warned, screwing up your face. “Unless ye wanna have the joy of picturing yourself as a father at 9 years old.”

“What?” He frowned. “Ye’re not twenty two.” “An’ here I thought ye’d read ma file,” you teased, tilting your head. “I am twenty two, as of...roughly 48 hours ago.”

“It was your birthday?!” All the calm confusion was gone now. “Ye ran intae the fookin’ warp core on yer 22nd birthday?” 

“Aye!” You winced at the noise. “Quit shoutin’!”

“Sorry. But really? It was bad enough already, then you drop this? Running intae a warp core on yer birthday.” He shook his head and flopped into the empty chair at your bedside.

“I must admit, it wasn’t my best birthday present,” you smiled, ironically, making him raise an unamused eyebrow. “But hey, no one died, so that’s always good.” He glared back at you. “Oh, come on. Ah’d rather spend half ma birthday unconscious than mournin’ yer sorry ass.” A crash interrupted Scotty’s response, before the door sizzled aggressively. You both looked over to meet the sheepish faces of Keenser, Chekov, and Jim, before they all took off running at the sound of McCoy’s voice.

“Why are we friends wi’ them?” you sighed, as the scrambling and shouting faded down the corridor.

“Aye, says th’girl who ran intae the warp core,” Scotty retorted, with a soft scoff.

[malaks-perch]

pomegranates and sugar

julian devorak x reader

a crazy night with your favorite doctor

warnings: fluff?? pretty domestic actually for something about murder talk about a sweat drop

a/n: i didn't plan for this to go this way, i played it by ear

this was not how the night was supposed to go.

"now before you do that light up magic thing, you have to promise me that you will be calm and rational" julian's words coming slow and careful as he stayed hidden in an alley next to the rowdy raven.

"i'm always calm and rational." came your response as you tried to get closer to where he'd tucked himself behind barrels.

julian stepped out of the shadows and into the dim lighting at the mouth of the alley. you dropped your bag upon seeing him.

blood was everywhere. drenching his clothes, staining his face, arms, even legs. his patch was nowhere to be found and both of his stunning grey eyes stared at you.

"who the hell did—" he cupped a clean hand over your mouth whilst his finger hovered over his mouth.

"i was doing an act at the theater and it turned into a brawl, the fake pomegranate juice got everywhere and it clumped to me when people started throwing disgusting powdered candy."

he brought his hand to his lips, licking up the vermillion substance and crushing a fiery kiss to your lips before you could think.

he was right. sugary popping candy nearly drowned out any taste of pomegranate on julian's tongue. it was sweet, but the kiss was far from it. when he pulled away, you blinked still trying to register what happened and the kiss julian nearly got you drunk off of.

"but this blood might become very real as there was a very angry patron who—"

"julian, what the hell?"

he pulled you both into the shadows, nodding and running a hand through his hair. "you're right. i'm so sorry. how are you tonight, love? you look ravish... why do you look more beautiful than usual? who is this for?"

he raised a brow as he examined you. one of his white shirts hung loosely on you and a wine colored vest portia graciously found in mazelinka's old chest. paired with pants that really showed off everything from the waist down.

"you're in costume?"

"valerius has that party-"

julian cringed. the one he promised to escort you to. you even asked him what to dress up as and here you were, a nevivion pirate. you'd even drawn the symbol most pirates wore on your neck.

guilt flushed through him and his heart sank into his chest. he had gone to the theater for a play and completely forgotten about his duties to be your date for the night.

this was not how the night was supposed to go.

"it's alright—"

"no, love. i.. you were really looking forward to seeing asra"

it shouldn't have hurt so bad when he said it, but bringing it up made you feel a bit of an ache. you hadn't seen asra in nearly a year from the constant travelling around with julian.

you brushed it off, cupping his face and wiping pomegranite from his cheek. the small smile you offered only made julian feel worse.

"there will be more opportunities."

julian cupped your cheek, but before he could respond someone shouted behind you both. "we should actually be running right now!"

both of you took off in a sprint, weaving through alleys and dodging people on streets. julian did the latter as his long limbs would bump people every now and again as he tried not to trip over himself.

they were getting closer when julian bolted left into an alley, pulling you with him when you pulled him back into an empty building.

"i think they went this way!"

both of you were panting, trying to cool yourselves down in spite of how close your bodies were pressed against the wall.

julian was muttering out apologies for potentially ruining your entire night when you finally managed to wheeze out your laughter.

"that was amazing!" you cupped his cheeks and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips making julian grin and raise his brow.

"usually when people are about to get murdered, amazing isn't the word they would use to describe it." julian smiled as he leaned over where you were leaned on the wall. his arm by your head as his face dipped closely to yours. "maybe it's all the adrenaline, my dear."

"adrenaline ashmenaline. that was better than any party i could've gone to." you smiled, leaning up so your faces were inches apart. "i want to go again."

"well, well, well... it seems we've found our old friend doctor devorak and.. who is this lovely creature?" one of them grinned from the doorway of the empty building.

"it looks like you'll have that chance, love!" julian tugged you out of a window, you stumbled, but the same man that was nearly tripping himself tugged you beneath an arm and sprinted down the alleyway.

with julian's arm holding you by the waist close to his side, you could see the frantic men running behind him with swords out and arms raised.

you twisted out of his arm to run beside him, "what on earth did you do?!"

"they didn't take kindly to poetry about their ships!"

in front of you, you spied two horses hauling a wagon with stacked barrells. you practically shoved julian towards the wagon, both of you climbing up the structure as you muttered a spell that made the barrells go tumbling towards the men.

the wagon collapsed and both of you jumped on the horses. they reared and you'd both taken off towards the markets, racing each other as the men themselves still tried to catch you.

"we should do this every night!" julian shouted as you guided your horse to take lead through vesuvia's busy streets.

"every night?! and miss a good night's sleep?" you glanced back at him, but the one glance made your heart swell.

julian's brows furrowed and a daring smile on his face. his tall figure was leaned forward on the chestnut horse he rode. a confident smile on his face as he passed you to take lead.

it was rare for him to ever look like this even in his most comfortable state. here, in the middle of danger, high on adrenaline, and running from pirates, julian looked his best.

this was not how the night was supposed to go.

"a fair point! this way!" you'd turned right and bolted out towards the higher classes of vesuvia.

you slowed down, julian laughing as he reached over and took your hand. both your steeds huffing and grumbling as they slowed.

"amazing. quite a show you put on there, y/n." he smiled, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before he leaned forward murmuring praises to the horse.

"i think we stole a couple of horses, julian." you sighed as you tangled your fingers in the mane of your steed.

"tomorrow, my love." julian sighed, casting you a warm smile. "we worry tomorrow."

you turned your eyes to the houses around you. beautiful, elegant homes were built here. the aqeuducts looked cleaner, the sidewalk looked as if you could eat off of it.

"it's beautiful here." julian smiled, mindlessly threading one of his hands through the mane of the horse he rode.

"would you like a house here, ilya?"

his given name usually would've made him fluster, but this time around he smiled. a sigh coming from his lips, "i would love for pasha to have a home here. i don't think our children would care too much for being royalty."

"our children?"

julian nodded without missing a beat. he flushed then when he realized what he was suggesting, "only if you're open to the idea."

"i'll run it by my council."

he chuckled, turning so you saw the fond smile dancing on his lips.

with both his eyes on display so outwardly, it was a little overwhelming. paired with that soft smile? your heart raced at the mere sight of him. how could you not? he'd come so far as to be this confident.

"you saved my life." his bowed deeply, nearly falling off his horse. "how may i ever repay my beautiful hero?"

there he was. your ever dramatic doctor pirate.

"promise me we will be together forever and always." you clenched a hand over your heart, gazing up to beautiful stars above.

"it is forbidden!" julian cried out in agony, thrusting a hand into his hair. "for we may never be together as long as we live in amongst the rules of this damned nation! my sister wouldn't allow it—"

"yes, she would—"

"oh, how she would strangle me for—"

"refusing my hand."

groans and insults thrown from windows. you and julian took off in a fit of laughter, rushing down the streets until you'd come upon a path sheltered by brillant oaks.

both you and julian had taken the time to get off your horses and walk down the wide road. one hand entwined with his while the two of you lead your horses.

"should we ever be in that position, i would run away with you." you confessed.

julian furrowed his brows, shaking his head. "my love, i would never want you to give up everything you know to be with me."

"and i would never want you to give up everything you know to be alone." you smiled, pulling his hand to press a kiss to his knuckles. "i would know that you wouldn't be alone and that would be better than casting you off to suffer in isolation."

julian's eyes were shut when he tilted his head up so his face was to the sky. a shaky breath escaping his mouth before he finally decided to speak. "when you say beautiful things like that, it makes me want to give you my entire world."

"i don't understand how that would work." you tugged him close by the nape of his neck to peck his cheek. julain pulled back revealing his furrowed brows and twisted lips. "you're already my world, how could you give me more than that?"

julian stopped walking, a sticky cheek pressing to your neck. the pomegranate and sugar still lingering on his cheek from earlier.

"i gave you a night that started because of a brawl that ended with me in pomegranate juice and sugar. we get chased through vesuvia, magically steal two horses, profess our love to strangers, and here you are declaring that you want no one else, but me."

"don't forget about the part where we have children." you smiled making him laugh into your shoulder before pulling away to gaze at you with tear-filled eyes.

"the council unanimously decided?"

"the council wanted to keep the dramatics in play. they already had their answer before their brief recess."

"one of them better have my name!" portia was practically squealing as she rushed over.

nadia, asra, and muriel not far behind. muriel went straight for the horses, but not before bidding you a quiet hello.

"at least you two had fun." nadia smiled as she watched portia squeeze the air from your lungs. "as it turns out, vlastomil's worms crashed the party."

"so julian finally settles down." asra's teasing grin made the redhead smile.

"i don't think you've met my darling dear." he shot you a grin, "anyone would be lucky to stand next to them."

asra wrapped his arms around you, a gentle laugh escaping him upon finally seeing you again. "to think you would be here to tell me you were going to be parents."

nadia brushed off julian's shoulder, "i'd love to be a godmother."

"as long as i get to be the godfather." asra grinned, turning to you with a teasing smirk.

"you get to be godfather as long as you don't teach them to pester and prank people with magic."

asra shook his head, "i can't promise that."

portia laughed, picking up a stick to imitate a sword. "and i will teach them the ways of a pirate."

julian went to chastise portia when muriel's voice cut through, "and i'll teach them to properly care for horses."

asra immediately latched onto muriel, teasing him while portia and nadia discussed names. you and julian walked hand in hand down the road with your friends at your side.

babies or brawls, you wouldn't have had this night go any other way

[ninja-hamsterstyle]

The Best Treat

A/N: My entry for @auduna-druitt‘s End of Year Challenge

Pairing: Jim Kirk x reader

Warnings: Nah

Words: 364

James T. Kirk was not a patient man. So when you told him that you had a surprise for him after the trick-or-treaters were gone, he suggested that you tell him before. But you just laughed and kissed him on the cheek, saying that he would his surprise when the candy bowl was empty. He nearly tripped on the welcome mat in his hurry to get outside.

Two hours later, there was only a few pieces of candy in the bowl. The little girl climbing up the steps of the front porch couldn’t have been more than six years old. Jim’s heart melted at how adorable she was in her Starfleet command costume.

“Trick or treat!” Demora said with a proud smile, holding out her candy bag.

Jim grabbed three pieces of candy from the bowl and dropped the,, into her bag. “I like your costume, De,” He told her.

Demora’s smile grew. “Thank you.” She glanced at the last candy in the bowl and leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Can I take that one for Uncle Pasha?” She asked. “He’s sad ‘cause he’s too old to trick-or-treat.”

He chuckled and held out the bowl for her. “Of course.”

“Thank you!” Demora took the Kit Kat and bounded down the stairs, running to where Pavel stood at the end of the driveway.

Jim waved to him before walking inside, making sure to turn off the porch light. “Hey, Y/N! The candy bowl is empty!” He called out.

“I’m in the kitchen!” Was your answer.

It took all his will walk down the hall and not sprint like he desperately wanted to. “What’s the surprise, sunshine?” He asked as he rounded the corner.

You were sitting on a stool at the kitchen island, a tray of cupcakes that most definitely weren’t there when he went out for trick-or-treat duty. You smiled at him and made a “come here” motion.

Jim couldn’t stop himself from sprinting this time and nearly ran into the counter. “Easy there, cowboy,” You laughed.

He had a retort at the tip of his tongue when he saw the picture next to her and the writing on the cupcakes.

I’m pregnant.