#please don't let them be refugees forever

[idiotlittleme]

Ok so I know it's weird to say but I really didn't expect Ukraine to win

And I'm glad they did

They were un my top 10 all this time and their song is good and touching

I genounely cried during their winner's performance cause even though I don't speak Ukrainian I read the translation of the lyrics a couple of times and it's like they've been embeded in me

I can really feel their love for this mother and dread that all of her life she needed to look out for them even if they didn't like it at times

There aren't a lot of songs out there that can really express familial love and this one does it perfectly. It's full of mixed emotions that all of them are powerful and consuming. And as one who knows what it's like to fear for her family's welbeing during war periods, I can get the extra meaning it has now for ukrainian people (not all of it of course, but at least a small fraction of it)

So all in all, I do think this win is not ((just)) political. It's a really powerful song. At least for me.

I do feel sad for Malik from Germany that didn't deserve to be last; his song is extremely good and he's an amazing performer, but at least he doubled the points from last year? I guess that's something???

Also I don't think the UK or Sweden were that great. Like, I don't anything against them, I just think they're too normal for esc...

But now I don't know what's next? Like are we really going to do esc in warzone? Or just hope the war will be over? Even if it will, there will be a lot to recover and it's obvious that they will need financial assistance ((and tbh I don't see any world leaders volenteering...))

I just hope that esc will be their last concern and that everyone affected will find themself safe in a place they can call home

[jpitha]

Between the Black and Gray 8

First / Previous / Next

"Ma! Wait!" Fen ran down the hall after Ma-ren. Her long strides caught up quckly to the smaller K'laxi, even while she was doing her best to not run down the hall. "Ma, please. Let's talk"

"I don't know why we should now Fen, it seems like your mind is made up." Ma-ren kept walking down the hall, but she did slow down a little. "Seems like you're more into leaving and taking off with Gord than staying with your actual girlfriend."

"Oh, Ma." Fen sighed. "Hold up here. Let's sit and talk." Fen looked around. They were about halfway between the docks and their apartment. They had just made it onto their floor and there was a bistro near with chairs spilling out onto the hall. Fen walked over to a small table on the edge and sat, gesturing for Ma-ren to join her.

Ma-ren walked over and slumped into a chair. A server came by quickly and Fen ordered some tea. Only Tam'itarr had chamomile, so they had to just take the regular Gren herbal tea, but at least it was hot and gave their hands something to do. After they both sat for a moment and stared at nothing, Fen spoke.

"I'm sorry Ma."

Ma-ren looked over at Fen and her tail swished.

"I'm sorry for not thinking of you more. It's just..." Fen stopped and took a sip of tea. "It's just that this is the first new thing to happen here since forever. Someone that knows Spyglass! Someone that can fix her! We've been refugees our whole lives. Most of our parent's lives too. This is a chance for us to... to... not just be 'those humans and k'laxi up on forty three'" Fen shrugged. "I got wrapped up in what it could mean for us that I guess I didn't think enough about us."

"Hmmph." Ma-ren sipped her tea but her ears twitched in that way that Fen knew meant she was almost forgiven. They had known each other since they were kids, and have been together for years. They had their own share of arguments, this was just another step on the path. "I... think I understand what you mean, Fen. Gord and Spyglass could mean us being able to trade, to conduct business, to not be reliant on handouts from the station authorities and Tam'itarr's black market."

Ma-ren put her tea cup down carefully and looked at Fen. Her large eyes focused on her girlfriend. "But Fen. You know how Gord is getting parts. Tam'itarr is going to want to be paid back. If Gord decides to just leave, then what? We helped him; Tam'itarr is going to come after us for repayment." She stood and started pacing, agitated. "You saw him with those AI cubes right? He's hungry to get them into bodies - if he even can - you have to know that he's probably going to try and screw over Tam'itarr, right?"

Fen blinked. "What?"

Ma-ren put her hands on her hips; a human gesture that K'laxi had adopted years ago. "Fen, really? Gord has nothing holding him here except Spyglass and he wants her up and running. He asked for printable mass in addition to another reactor. You think he's just going to print more reactors? I guarantee he's going to try and print at least one other body. Probably more if he can offload those AI cores. He's trying to resurrect his race. We're small time to him."

"You really think Gord is going to rip off Tam'itarr?"

Ma-ren rolled her eyes and smiled. "It's a good thing you're pretty, Fen. What does Gord have keeping him here and honest? He wants Spyglass up and running. Once he does he can convince her to just... leave. We won't even have our Starjumper anymore. Sure, we won't have to put together fundraisers to pay her docking fees, but the dream of us being anything more than refugees dies. Us - all of us - will be well and truly stuck here."

"So what should we do?"

Ma-ren walked back over to the table and drained her tea. "First thing. We go home and eat. Second thing, we get a good night's sleep." Fen stood as well. Ma-ren put her arm around Fen's waist. "Maybe in the morning we'll have thought of something that doesn't involve either Tam'itarr going after us, or Gord going after us.

That evening brought relaxation, good food, and a good night's sleep, but the morning brought them no closer to figuring out what to do.

Fen and Ma-ren circled the main promenade walking and talking.

"Do we tell Tam'itarr?" Fen said. She was looking around as they walked. It was a normal day with nothing looking out of place, but ever since their talk last night, Fen seemed to be more alert.

"Tell him what? That we think that Gord is going to rip him off?" Ma-ren stopped to look at a shop selling fabric. Nobody in the main part of the station sold Human and K'laxi clothes, but there were plenty of fabric dealers. There were a few peopel who bought the fabric and made clothes for the humans and k'laxi up on forty three, and Ma-ren knew a few of them.

"I mean, yes? If we tell him, then if he does, Tam'itarr will know that we weren't in on it.

Ma-ren looked up and sighed. "You're probably right. Let's go find him."

Tam'itarr was in his usual place in his booth in his social club. He waved when he saw them enter. "Ma-ren! Fen! How good of you to come." He gestured for them to join him. "I have managed to secure a supply of printable mass for you and Gord after all! It will be delivered to Spyglass tomorrow. We should have the reactor by the end of the week as well. I am pleased that my people have been working so diligently."

The bartender brought over a cup of chamomile to each of them, inclined his head and walked away.

Ma-ren didn't touch her tea. "Tam'itarr, we..." She looked at Fen.

"We think Gord is going to try and rip you off." Fen slurped her tea and shrugged.

Tam'itarr's mouthparts waggled a laugh and he grinned hugely. "Ladies, you have no idea how happy I am to hear this news."

Fen blinked. "You are?"

Tam'itarr nodded. "Although, I should clarify how pleased I am to hear this news from you."

Now, Ma-ren blinked. "Why?"

"Why ladies, it means that you trust old Tam'itarr more than some upstart human who showed up out of nowhere and is trying to steal your Starjumper. It means that you realize where your home is, where your community is." Tam'itarr sat forward and clicked his claws. A bouncer walked out with a black case and set it down on the table. "This is for you." He slid it over to Ma-ren.

"What is it?"

"Open it and see. I promise, nothing bad."

Ma-ren carefully clicked the case open, and inside were two bundles of Stars and two red pins. Ma-ren's eyes flicked up to the gangster's.

"Think of it as... a bonus. You thought of me instead of Gord. You thought of your home first. That deserves to be rewarded. The Stars are a bonus for making... the right choice. The pins will show everyone on the station who you work for. They will let you enjoy certain privileges here that most Humans and K'laxi normally aren't allowed. Think of it as your species' first step on leaving the forty third and joining the rest of us." Tam'itarr regarded them kindly. "You had a difficult decision to make today, and you made the right one. I take care of my own, I need you to know that."

"What about Gord?" Fen tried to take her eyes of the money. It was more Stars than she had ever seen in her life at once.

"We'll take care of Gord. Don't think I didn't also think he was prime to try and pull one over on us. I'll take you along, then you can see what we do to folks who try and hurt the community." Tam'itarr clicked his claws again and two bouncers appeared. He bent over and spoke to them softly, and they nodded once and melted away. "I would still like for Spyglass to be repaired, and for now Gord is the only one who can do it. We're going to continue to deliver what we promised and not mention anything." He looked at them. "If Gord needs your help, give it. In fact, volunteer to help. See if you can get him to show you how stuff works. Once he's gone, I'll need people who can operate my ship."

He stood up and walked over to their side of the table and placed his large hands on each of their shoulders. "From today on, you work for me. I promise, we'll do great things together."

[skellymom]

Possible "Vagabonds" fan fic future excerpt

With a eulogy to "Tiggy" the Space Doggo

For reference, this might possibly fit in a future installment for my ongoing series "Vagabonds" To read for more context:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/738467105361494016/vagabonds?source=share

There is an extremely personal message at the end of the excerpt. Been sitting on this news for several weeks and needed to get it out. Opened my word document to find this excerpt. Had written it MONTHS ago. So here goes:

Warning: Very brief violence and talk of death.

Background: Wrecker and Tech are on the Marauder with the newest group of child refugees they rescued from the Empire. Unfortunately a nosy pirate looking for a bounty reward sneaks aboard. (Hunter and Echo are away on the Dread Beldame with Mad, Sil, and Love.)

The pirate advanced on the crew of the Marauder, pointing his weapon and threatening everyone aboard.  Several of the children started to cry out of fear. 

“Ehh, you’re scarin’ the kids!” Wrecker angrily pushed back. 

The pirate smiled creepily, licking his lips. 

Tech kept his cool, quietly watching the situation.  He looked like he was waiting for...something. 

“Whattaya lookin’ at, ya goggle eyed Gungan?”  The pirate snarled. 

“Your speedy demise.”  Tech sassily quipped. 

The toddler pointed to the dark brindled shadow quietly creeping up behind the pirate, “Tiggeee Goggeee.” 

Tech stoically gave the command: “Ra’mor!” 

She was upon the pirate in a flash. Took him down by the back of his neck, shaking furiously. He didn’t last long. Wrecker grimaced and grabbed the toddler in his arms while pushing the rest of the children behind him, shielding them from the sight. 

“Let slanar!” Tech barked.  

Tiggy released the mangled pirate.  

“Briik laam.” 

Tiggy immediately ran to and healed at Tech’s left side, clacking her pearly teeth excitedly. 

“Jate Tiggy. Wrecker, please dispose of the body immediately. As far away from the ship as possible.” Tech held his hands out for the toddler, which Wrecker dutifully handed over. 

“Awww...I ALWAYS get the dirty work!” 

“Wrecker, you are the best man for this job. Remember, no shallower than 6 feet. We don’t want his companions to find him. Come children...we are safe now.” 

"Tiggy" was based on my Amish rescue "Petunia" I obtained from work. For those of you who don't know, I am a certified veterinary nurse and work at a 24 hour veterinary ER. She came to us sick and injured at 4 WEEKS old.

Attacked by her own mother and possibly needing corrective surgery for necrosis of that wound, it looked dire. The Amish don't spend a lot of money if they don't think they can recoup the investment. Her heavily infected wound burst open all over my scrubs. She was TINY and helpless. I couldn't say no.

We kept her until she was a year: paid for medical care, orthopedic surgery, vaccines, meds, training, spay surgery, the works. Unfortunately, due to her being a high drive Dutch Shepherd, we could not keep her. This breed is known for their mercurial nature and sometimes aggression. I knew there was a VERY slight chance we could keep her, especially with 2 geriatric dogs in the household. She wasn't my first rescue, either. Petunia spent time at a shelter for police and military dogs, and was evaluated for bite work. Unfortunately, she passed from the wave of respiratory "Doggie Covid" that is sweeping the US right now. With some dogs medical treatment works...with some...they don't rally from the infection. We feel sick about this and sadly miss "Looney Petunia."

She now lives on in a galaxy far, far away. Love rescued her and she fiercely defends that Force sensitive teen, their family, and The Batch. She will forever track prey with Hunter, ride on Wreckers shoulders, snuggle with Omega, lay at Crosshair's feet while he polishes his rifle, listen dutifully to Tech's commands...and steal Echo's prosthetics.

She LOVED to watch TV too!

[cod-dump]

Help I am at "zoo animals during covid" level desperate for interaction.

How about a blorbo of horangi and kronig in Skyrim. Their equipment, factions/guilds They're in, companions (favorite place to do it 👀) etc

Please?

Skyrim fixation grabbing me by the throat

___

Horangi is a mixed race werewolf (who was born in Cyrodiil to a Imperial mother but was raised in Skyrim) was with the Companions for a short period but left because he had conflicting views with them. He later realizes he very much agrees with what they do but he's made his choice. So now he's the friendly werewolf that eats bandits and does deeds and quests for people for little to no fee.

Horangi usually relies on his beast form but is good with his hands and a dagger if needed. Tends to not wear armor but if he has to he wears leather armor. He sells a lot of leftover meat, hides, and whatever from his kills. It isn't uncommon for him to provide struggling families with venison.

Horangi lives in the woods, doesn't like going into inns or renting rooms. He is very much at home in the wilderness and has a pack of ice wolves that follow him around. He loves them to pieces and has put collars on them to try to show people that they mean no harm. Each wolf has a name, and three are pups that Horangi helped raise himself. Has killed a hunter for killing one of the wolves, which lead to him putting collars on them to try and protect them.

Tends to not seek much companionship from others and is content with the wolves being his friends. Though he has gone into inns when lonely and sneaked off with men and women to satisfy his more carnal needs. Has seduced a Thalmor before and fucking loves to bring it whenever he can. Horangi worships Hircine and has a very personal relationship with the Daedric Lord. He believes Hircine gave him the gift to be his true self, to live as both man and beast, and is forever grateful.

_

Konig is a Nord, born and raised in Skyrim and is proud of it (though that pride has dwindled drastically due to recent events). Unfortunately was raised by more traditional Nords in Windhelm and ended up joining the Stormcloaks when he was old enough to defend his family's farm. Served as a soldier for years, Talos being the name he has said more than any other. Wears Stormcloak armor and swings a steel warhammer (though is pretty good with any weapon he can get his hands on).

Despite it being drilled into his mind since a young age, Konig doesn't try discriminate against other races. Has stuck up for any elves being roughed by Nords in Windhelm and has knocked many assholes clean on their ass with one well placed punch. When Konig is not serving, he keeps to himself on his family's farm (which is now empty). He is the last of his family's name and hasn't ever had the urge to settle down and have children. His grew up with a very abusive family and swears that he will turn out just like them if he had children.

Konig has offered shelter to many travelers of all races and factions. He fixed up a hold shed to be a extra bed for whoever needs it. Konig has hidden thieves at his farm, runaways of all ages, refugees, and even a vampire or two who needed to escape the sunlight. If someone is in need he's quick to come to their aid.

_

One storm, worse than what Konig had seen in a long time, blew into the Pale. Konig stood vigilant, knowing that this storm might bring someone needing shelter. And low and behold, a man came knocking. He had short, pointed ears and a pale complexion, something Konig hasn't seen before. And his eyes... they had a wild look in them.

"Sorry to bother you, sir. I normally don't do this but this storm is much more than what I am prepared to deal with-"

Konig didn't let the man say much more before he brought him inside. The man didn't get straight to thanking him.

"I have... companions who are also in need of shelter."

"Bring them in."

"You say that now but-"

"Lad, this storm could kill. Bring them in and let them warm up."

The man blinked before he opened the door and called out to his companions. Konig was stunned by a pack of eight wolves come bounding into his home. One particular small pup was scooped up by the stranger, and Konig noticed it had a collar on it. That all of them had collars.

"I was unaware that your companions were..."

"Wolves?"

"... Fluffy."

The stranger snorts and Konig cleared his throat before he grabbed a pelt to give to the man. The man settled in front of the hearth, surrounded by wolves and a pup in his lap. Konig couldn't help but notice how he checked on each wolf, checking their paws for any cuts that the ice might have caused and making sure there was no frostbite on their ears.

"We'll leave once the storm lifts."

"There is no rush, friend."

Truth be told Konig looked forward to any and all guests that came to his farm seeking shelter. He felt lonely but had a hard time reaching out for companionship. He always tried to not bother his guests but this stranger was not like the others. Never has a man treated his furry companions with such care, not like one would show a pet.

"How does one come to being adopted by a pack of wolves?"

The stranger was resting his head on one of the sleeping wolves, pup nestled against his chest with the pelt over top.

"Well... I guess you could say they view me as family."

Konig nods, "You're a werewolf."

The stranger chokes and sits up quickly, the pup making noise at being disturbed, "N-No-"

"Your connection to nature means nothing, friend. I can tell you're a good man who surrounds himself with good company."

The man breathes out in relief, settling back against his wolf companion, who was perked up and alert after his sudden movement. They stayed silent for a few hours before the stranger finally spoke.

"So... I'm Hong-Jin... and you are?"

Konig stared at the man before speaking, "Klaus..."

Then they started talking. Hong-Jim had first brought up how he normally doesn't try to intrude into people's homes but didn't have a choice with the storm. That lead them to just talking about anything and everything. Adventures they've been on (Konig did his best to avoid the topic of his service), their life stories, their companions (Konig brought this up to learn more about Hong-Jin’s wolves), and everything else they could think of.

They talked through the storm and then slept once it lifted. Konig tried to offer Hong-Jin food but the man waved him off and said he would be fine. Then he gave thanks to Konig and left. And Konig couldn't help but feel loneliness at his departure. Konig would go back to his self isolation, only venturing out to the city to buy necessities before returning home.

One trip he returned to a familiar face sitting outside his home. Wolves laid about and one pup grown but still visibly smaller than the rest. Hong-Jim smiles and stood from the ground. Konig was speechless, he had never had someone return.

"I was passing through and thought I would say hello."

Konig stared before he spoke, "Hello."

Hong-Jin laughs and Konig reached up and pulled his hood down as far as he could to hide his embarrassment at the dumb response. He peeked out from the shadows of the hood.

"I brought gifts!"

Hong-Jin pulled out a bag and Konig would see that it was full of trinkets. Konig watches as the man goes to pull out a strange looking ring, mouth acting before he could even stop it.

"Would you like to come in?"

Hong-Jin looks up, stares in his eyes.

"Yes."

Konig would find himself less lonely since Hong-Jin’s arrival. He never planned on having children, but one of the wolves had a litter of pups and fatherhood was sprung upon him. But he gladly faced the challenge. And the farm was no longer lonely or full of bad memories like it once was. Not now that Hong-Jin and the wolves were here.

[ji-ang]

DRC Valentine’s Day Fest: A Rebel(CA)p(T)ain Reclist

Part I: In-Universe Settings

Fics set in a galaxy far, far away.

Return to main post for other cat related rebelcaptain content! (this link is now fixed!)

In the spirit of clicking links, today and every day is a good day to click to freely donate ad revenue from this site to the UNWRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).

Recs below! 💕

Alphabetical by author! All links are to the ao3 version of the fic because that’s how and where I found them.

I've tried to do my research and identify authors' tumblrs if I'm able to tag them. If I tagged the wrong person or if you're tagged and you don't want to be, just let me know. 💕

I used to be a king alone by @brynnmclean

Cassian and Jyn have some downtime while on a mission, explore a marketplace and pick up a furry friend. The author uses the tag “A Date-Shaped Mission or a Mission-shaped Date” which is honestly better and more succinct than any additional summary I could add. This fic features a bit of droidnerd!Cassian, which is another love of mine.

por más que crezca, vas a estar aquí by @firefeufuego

A very cool His Dark Materials style daemon insertion into a SW universe. Jyn’s spiritual manifestation is a cat that keeps Cassian company through the years.

Failure To Communicate by FluffMonster42

A multi-mission fic featuring the chaos duo of Han & Jyn, made even more excellent by the fact that Jyn acquires a loth cat that helps her & Cassian get over some of their emotional constipation.

the fact that you’re alive is a miracle by @fortysevenswrites

Presumed dead!Cassian is found alive and brought back to Jyn, who has in the meantime dedicated herself post-war to running a home for children and a clowder of tookas (do they have their own collective noun?). It’s very sweet.

1653 DAYS WITHOUT LUCK by @fulcrumstardust

I am 99% I didn’t know tookas were a thing until this fic, so I am forever grateful to it opening my eyes to that. 😂

It’s a story I enjoyed reading for a lot of reasons, but to focus on the cat facet: The tooka in this story is more conceptual/a child’s toy for most of the fic, but it’s a very cute element that brings Cassian and his daughter together.

Freya the Tooka by grexigone

Some very sweet (slightly bittersweet) Jyn backstory AND all sorts of adorable tooka interactions? Please and thank you. 

Tooky Verse by @imsfire2

This series feels like an incredibly warm hug. Or, you know, a cuddle with a cat. Part 1 is tooka acquisition, Parts 2 & 3 are very cute snapshots of life on base in between missions.

Cheetah Tongue by @literatiruinedme

Short scenes of Cassian and Jyn’s cat on base. A bunch of funny, sometimes slightly awkward, and sweet vignettes and incredibly accurate depiction of cat behaviour.

Cat Cafe Verse by @luciechat

You know how all we want (most of the time) is for them to have nice, soft things? This series is absolutely a universe where they get to have ALL of them. Jyn and Cassian travel the verse and have to figure out what to do with all of the strays they can’t help but take in. This fic also tickles my droidnerd!Cassian itch.

Back to main post (this link is now fixed!)

[whetstonefires]

For the ask meme tell me about my blorbos-in-law: FFVII

This is really the ideal kind of fandom for an askgame like this, I feel--25 years old, active but not vigorous, a little sprawling and ungainly but not hopelessly vast. XD Because they are your in-laws I will explain more than usual so I'm not just blorbing at you.

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most) I...honestly don't know the answer to this. I have gone through assorted character-centric phases where there was a clear answer to this, and I am not in one now. I've been working on the next chapter of Top Guide this week which is heavily into being a Tifa pov fic, so I guess on a technicality the answer is presently a firm Tifa.

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped) I'm...okay, breaking it down, the thing is I think this is probably Cloud for me but I'm very uncomfortable with this because I'm a passionate enemy of the fandom trend toward infantilizing Cloud whenever he isn't actively being built up as The Kickass Protag. I hate that. Cloud was canonically already a rude asshole when he was 8. How do you people make 'shy twink' this dehumanizing and could you stop forever please, it's not even accurate. I might just go for Baby Sephiroth to sidestep the whole issue. I cannot resist small Sephiroth ever. I want to dress him up in little outfits.

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave) Lol Angeal Hewley. He's a major emotional lynchpin of the tragic prequel game but the Crisis Core writers just. Did not make time in their process to figure out what he was thinking or doing any time he was not actually onscreen. This despite the fact that he went through most of the epic emotional breakdown that takes him from 'Reliable Mentor Figure' to 'Forces You To Assist His Suicide With Your Sword' while offscreen. But they just. They didn't make an effort! He just pingpongs from one appearance to the next having a plot-driving mental health collapse with no psychological continuity whatsoever! His narcissist of a best friend who drives both the plot and the mental breakdown with his own crazed schemes gets his motives dug into in the course of investigating his ongoing crimes, and talks at grandiose emotional length about what he's doing and why, making him easy to relate to despite the vast gulf between 'what he's upset about' (being a genetic experiment misled by the corporate government and now dying of congenital problems) and 'what he's doing as a result' (mass murder) but Angeal is like. Conspicuously a narrative prop. He's like those dogs they put in movies just to kill them off cheap, except he also talks and has a Legacy and emotional torment and shit. It's hilarious. He is my boy. ...Tifa also in a different way, tho. But I already did jyl in that mode.

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week) Okay so because of the format of this series anyone who appears in more than one installment is a fan favorite, either because squeenix only brought them back due to their popularity or because everyone got so excited to see them again. So I'm gonna be like...people who probably won't be in the Remake but I wish. Let's see. There's these two brown young women with ponytails in the Corelian refugee camp who have the same sprite model and live in different shanties, one of them with a little child and old man who don't look related, and in my head they're sisters and I made up a lot of vibes about their family situations. I want them to recognizably turn up and actually be sisters. Not going to happen lol. More attainably, I like those kids in Kalm who talk about the ongoing ecological collapse and their conflicted feelings on it more straightforwardly than any of the adults in the game manage, I hope we hear from them again. Such a great reality check those kids. Wait no! Chekhov the Pagoda Guardian! A named absolute nobody I will be delighted to see again. Bring her and her paralysis ability back. Fucking love that the. Pagoda ninjas. Have Russian names for no reason. OH SHIT WAIT. I HAVE REMEMBERED. MY MAXIMAL GLUP SHITTO. So in the Temple of the Ancients Sephiroth tells you to behold the murals and I thought it was a hint about hints to the upcoming puzzles so I did, very carefully, but actually he was just being dramatic for no reason. Also there are no puzzles that was a lie. But anyway they're a narrative triptych showing the (egyptian-styled) Ancients using the Black Materia to summon a meteor in an explanation for why you should not do this, and there's a dude I think is meant to be a greedy king it's getting summoned onto, and then a lot of people on fire, and I have thoughts about that and Shinra and Midgar and the whole terrorism part of the narrative and how Sephiroth frees the main cast from the moral bind of being unable to break the chains of capitalism through violence without inflicting massive civilian casualties by crushing the capital city of capitalism with a huge space rock BUT ANYWAY the summoning is done by a trio, in the first panel, or possibly by one person with two dudes for moral support, and I'm so interested in the implied historical figure of Woman Holding Superweapon. What's her story?? Why did she do it? Was she prepared for the results? Did she die in the fallout? Was she sorry??? Mural lady from thousands of years ago who are you? Which weird geological feature did your ill-advised meteor-summoning create? Was it the bottomless lagoon? (I think it was the bottomless lagoon that forever swallows the ocean in a physics-obliterating massive waterfall and nobody cares.)

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave) Okay this is a meowmeow infested fandom lol. Angeal might count on grounds of pathetic and unpopular but that's not really how I vibe with him? I'm very invested in Sephiroth's mental damage and in the idea of how you could have constructed a Sephiroth who was less Like That, but this is something the games actively encourage in the player, and which over half the fanbase concurs with me on. There is no true controversy here. The conflict tends to arise around how to correctly interpret Sephiroth's...deal. The controversial meowmeows are all guys who piss me off to hell, because they are all smug bastards who clearly know exactly what they are doing to other people and just feel this is okay, actually, because. They and their desires are more important. Than other people's entire existences. Sephiroth sometimes acts like this but only after he loses his mind, which is the point of intrigue. He's an unreliable narrator to say the least and we know both a lot and nothing about his biography. How exactly did you break, my man? That's meowmeow material right there.

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason) Rufus fucking Shinra. How do you introduce yourself with a smug monologue about how you're going to show you're better than your father by replacing his crypto-fascism with unapologetic naked fascism because you think that's cheaper and more badass, and then become popular? How does nobody care that you put Tifa in a gas chamber on live television as a publicity stunt in the attempt to maintain your political power in the face of the apocalypse? Just because you have a white longcoat and dramatic poses like Seto Kaiba and are apparently incapable of fear, why do people like you. Fuck you. You should have stayed blown up by that giant laser return-fire. The kaiju who killed you could sense your murder vibes a hundred miles away. What is that. Die. The wheelchair moment in the movie was fucking epic tho. I'll give you that.

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell) I'm very predictable on these! There's so many villains tho. Gonna send...gonna send Hojo to eeby-deeby superhell because they brought him back as a computer ghost for DoC and that's just not on. Forbidden. You were super dead, man. You turned yourself into a science monster and then we shot you so many times. I feel like there are as many main cast who have been tortured by Hojo personally as have not, although this is technically an exaggeration. Also he manages to achieve the rank of Worst Dad against some stiff competition. Superhell for Hojo for 1000 years.

[orangegreet]

No Minor Miracles

This is a completed story - pending only an epilogue at this point. Reposted to Tumblr from AO3.

Summary:

“Hello Aleksander.” He closed his eyes at the sound of her whispered greeting. Could she have picked any other night? Any other than this one? “Why do you haunt me when I feel at my weakest to defend myself?” He asked. “You are always droll when we meet. First I am your demon and now I am your ghost.”

_____________

Captured by Grisha slavers and ultimately shipwrecked between West Ravka and Kerch, Alina is orphaned and stranded on the other side of the Fold.

In secret, the Sun Summoner is raised and trained thousands of miles outside of Os Alta and the reach of the Black General.

Ambition leads her to seek out the infamous Shadow Summoner in her twenties—only, he isn’t what she expected.

Yet still, she leaves Os Alta broken-hearted and unsure and both Alina and Aleksander resolve to stick to their own sides of the world for some years after.

—Until a weary night on the war front pushes the Black General to reach out to his old enemy.

What follows is an ongoing struggle for power, information, dominance and, ultimately, each other.

But with two such Saints involved, surely miracles will abound.

Chapter 1 | A Night on the Warfront

He pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes shut as four of his soldiers continued their debate. The map spread out before them was littered with crude markings. A dirty shell casing sat near the edge of the Fold, the scale of it far out of proportion considering it was reported to be a small camp with no more than five tents.

“The West is closing in. They have some kind of advantage. Otherwise they would not drift so close to the Fold.”

“What do you propose we do about it? You can hardly expect us to sneak through the Fold on our end and catch them off guard.”

“I’m not convinced it is the West at all—our scouts themselves weren’t sure.”

“You don’t expect Shu Han to set up so far North in enemy territory.”

“I’m not saying that, I’m saying we don't know that it's army at all. Could be refugees seeking the protection being so close to the Fold can provide for all we know. We’ve seen it before.”

The General reached for the decanter, eyes bleary with lack of sleep. He refilled his glass. The soldiers continued to debate.

“You’ve seen it before? And when was that?” Ivan stared down the Inferni.

The young man stuttered, eyes shifting cautiously to the General who paused with his glass aloft.

“R-Rumors maybe but…years back we had intel of refugees camping near the Fold at the behest of the Sun Summoner.”

The General made no outward sign of recognition. He took another drink and placed his glass back on the table.

The neatly coiled rope at the center of his very being seemed to writhe. His heart picked up pace and he shot a covert warning glare at Ivan to keep his mouth shut. The Heartrender glared back, averting his gaze to the Inferni once more.

Internally he reached for the tether, intending to coil it back up and press it down again but he found once he touched it, he could not bring himself to let it go. Blame it on many late nights, war weariness and something else he refused to acknowledge in the presence of subordinates.

The tether gave a dull throb in his grasp.

The General forced himself to speak and quell the tension building in the tent.

“Rumors perhaps. We won’t know until it is too late. We must assume it is the West attempting the next step in secession. Prepare a skiff. I want the strike unit outfitted with the shielding cloaks. We send the skiff through on one side of the camp while our team traverses the Fold on foot on the other.”

He felt her presence in his chest first as the embers present stoked to a fiery glow. The General continued to stare at the map with a hardened glint in his eyes and ignored her apparition; his hand squeezed the tumbler.

“While the camp is preoccupied with the skiff, the strike team will take them out from behind. No prisoners.”

“And if they are refugees, sir?”

The General lifted his eyes to her. Her raised eyebrows expectant on her otherwise impassive face.

“No prisoners.”

She cocked her head at him but stayed quiet, surveying his whole being. Plotting his features for the signs of weakness, he was sure.

“You have your orders. You are dismissed.”

“But-sir which soldiers should we send on the skiff—“ The Inferni began.

“Ivan.” The General didn’t have to complete his request.

The Heartrender escorted the young Inferni out.

The General looked at her and then back at the decanter, determined to pull his features together though he felt his control slipping.

This, of course, was evidenced by her very presence.

“I feel I should offer you a drink. Though I am not sure if you could taste it.”

“It would be a warm gesture though. I wouldn’t decline to try.” She stepped closer to him and he struggled to keep the tension from his posture, his breath from hitching at the sound of her voice. How long had it been again?

He allowed himself the time to take her in. A decade had passed without seeing her. She looked older in some vague sense. Mostly in her eyes. He could tell by her gaze that she was severely less innocent than a decade ago.

Her posture too. She held herself with grace and dignity, the insecurity of youth long since fallen away.

“You’re looking well.” He said.

She blushed without a hint of modesty and he felt the warmth emanating from one of them. He couldn’t be sure who.

“I could say the same of you. Your hair has grown long. You look like a warrior.”

Her hands were clasped in front of her. Not reaching toward the dark locks that hung past his shoulders, half of it pulled back and tied with leather.

“I have been a warrior more often than not during my lifetime. I’m pleased to hear I look the part.”

She smirked at him and reached for his hand, bringing the glass to her lips for a sip.

“Can you taste it?”

She shook her head with a demure smile.

He took the glass away, musing out loud, “I thought not. This connection is beyond anything which has been studied but I do recall I could never see something unless you touched it.”

He put a hand on the map and watched her as she swiftly took in the details proffered on the table and then glanced back at him. Her eyes betrayed nothing.

“You did used to visit me more often than you do now. Though perhaps those visits were simply part of your own research efforts.”

When he didn’t respond for a few moments she continued, “I wondered if you had forgotten about me altogether.”

His chest bobbed a little higher under his breath as he studied her but eventually he decided how best to play this new hand.

“I do not consider myself forgetful in any regard, Miss Starkova.”

The liquid swirled in his glass as he caught her momentary bristle at the moniker. No doubt many years have passed since she was addressed as such.

He hummed, amused at her ruffled feather and resolved to push his luck, dipping his finger in the glass and looking up at her. “Now you mention, I do wonder…”

He lifted his finger to her lips and she scolded him with her eyes but allowed her tongue to brush over his skin. When her eyes drifted shut he couldn’t stop the backs of his fingers trailing over her cheek.

“Some things don’t change, do they? You favor the same casks of wine pilfered from the cellar of a Tsar.” She tutted and he smiled at her.

The first real smile she had seen him give in over a decade. Her insides pulsed.

“Then you are not forgetful, either.” He said in lament. He turned away from her.

She sighed. “This is tiring, please can we speak normally? Some time has passed since I last received your call. Did you mean for me to come to you tonight?”

He huffed a breath. “A compelling question for us both, I think. I wish I knew.”

When her eyes turned wary, she stepped away from him and he almost shouted at her. “No. Not—not yet. Just stay.”

The wariness turned to concern and she studied his features without reticence.

“What has happened? Tell me.”

“Nothing has happened. Nothing. It’s just—“ His hand raised to stroke her cheek again and he adored the way she leaned into it. Had she ever done that for him before? He could not remember. Not forgetful, indeed.

“Rumors.” He murmured. “Rumors reach me always of your life. Rumors of your death, of your sainthood and of your miracles. Tonight I—I wished for a miracle.”

Smiling sweetly, she cupped his face in her hands and stepped to him.

“My dear Aleksander,” Her eyes searched his for a moment. “The only miracle tonight lies in the possibility of two enemies who allow themselves to meet as friends. It would take two saints to pull that off. I am but one saint and cannot tell you the outcome. How strong is your desire for this miracle?”

His jaw clenched. He was so tired. Tired of wanting. Tired of losing. Tired of feeling like he was trailing behind. Forever out of step with her when he simply desired to be at her side.

His hand wrapped around the juncture of her shoulder and neck and he shook her. “You are no saint. You are a demon. My own personal demon sent from below to torture me on this plane. That must be it. I have yet to die and pay my dues and my sins have grown too great.”

Many late nights had led to this. Many years of keeping the door to her firmly shut led to this.

Time had passed differently for him in this after. Before her were calmer centuries poised in a position of patience and waiting. Since he had known her, known of her existence really, this frenetic energy was sparked inside of him that he could not shake. Time was centered acutely on constant anticipation. Anticipation of meeting her, experiencing her power. Then, once he knew her, heard her speak, felt her touch, mingled his power with hers-everything inside was reignited. His greed, desire, lust, rage, justice, truth, hope. It was chaos and tumult and agony contained inside an ancient man who was not ready for it.

Centuries of emotions being quelled and dulled and hammered flat into nothing before her existence. The last decade spent attempting, fruitlessly, to grow back that callous.

A moment of weakness and he reforged his connection to her. The meager protection he hoarded around himself the past few years fell away like an autumn leaf and now he was nothing more than a naked limb in the winter snow, completely exposed before her. Begging for her warmth.

It was enraging.

Her hand covered his on her neck and she squeezed it but did not attempt to remove him. She looked at him with such sadness that he felt it ache inside himself. Although it could have been his own sadness. There really was no way to tell in the moment.

“I know your sins, Aleksander and I am not here for absolution. I am here because you called to me and I wanted to answer.” His hand dropped away from her. The emotions which were so clear on his face a moment before grew opaque to her.

She swallowed, “I know your sins. And I have missed you.”

A ripple across his eyes and then nothing. He pushed down his insides.

A stoicism formed in his demeanor and it was with complete control that he let out his next sentence. “I hate you. For leaving me, I hate you.”

She drew herself up into a more formal posture with a deep breath.

“You wanted to mold me in your image. But it did not take and I would not let it continue. It has been better this way, I think. I would have hated you had I stayed.”

He scoffed. “You would have gotten over it, given enough time.”

She smiled at him, formality breaking with the warmth in her eyes. “Just as I believe you will, my oldest friend. My eternal friend.”

He blinked and his eyes gathered tears. She pretended not to notice, scared to spook him.

“Why did you leave?”

“You know the answer already. I’ve just told you.”

“Would it have been so bad to stay?” The emotion was seeping into his voice now and she stepped toward him with caution.

“I could not bear to hate you. It is better this way. We are both better, stronger. Worthy.”

Her eyes don’t lose their warmth but he felt the accusation the same. He would have sacrificed every ounce of his goodness, sanity and patience to keep her under his will. He would have sacrificed her for it.

“Are we?” He asked quietly. They both knew what he was asking.

She stroked his cheek and he nuzzled it.

“What you have in patience, I have in hope.” His eyes closed.

“Why do you stay away from me, Alina? Even now? I am well enough tortured. Surely your task must be done.”

Another sigh. “It is not so simple when it comes to you and me. You are my Inevitable. We will have an eternity together in my future and yours. It is only natural I want some time to live in autonomy before we begin. You were granted centuries to yourself, you recall.”

“Centuries of waiting, solnyshka. Centuries alone.”

She said nothing but continued to touch his cheek, his jaw, her eyes taking in every minute detail of his face. He called her there. She did not know when he would again.

“Will you make me wait more centuries for you?”

She hummed in amusement.

“Would you wait that long for me?”

If you ask.

He wanted to say it but he had given her so much of himself already. Greed smothered over his burgeoning embarrassment. She would leave soon enough and his desires wouldn’t be tamped down neatly anymore.

Possessive and greedy. That was how she knew him.

He wanted to possess her the way she seemed to possess him. Her ownership over him felt effortless to him and he half hated her for it. He gripped her hips dragging her flush to him.

Her breath startled and fanned over his face. He paused for only a moment and then pulled her mouth to his.

His lips sliding over hers in a heightened sense of torture. Could she taste him? If not she could surely taste his blatant desire. Completely exposed and on display for her to see.

He wrenched his mouth off hers, hand clasped to the back of her neck.

“Have you taken other lovers?”

The words were hissed through clinched teeth and his hand fisted into the fabric around her hips, holding her close.

Her eyes flashed into his and then down to his mouth where she pressed a kiss. Sweet as gentling an agitated animal. She pressed another and lingered.

Far from being quieted, he panted into her mouth, fisting a hand to her hair in a rush and crushing his mouth to hers.

The moan from her throat drifted into his mouth and he swallowed it up, lifting her onto the table and plunging them into what felt like the most familiar fantasy or memory or deja vu for them both.

Everything was different. Nothing had changed.

He tangled his tongue with hers, a reluctant groan escaping from his own throat.

She knew she should stop it. It would be harder to keep going without him if she let herself have too much.

Gradually their heat seemed to lower into a simmer and they both sighed into it. His hand stroked her thigh and his other held her jaw tenderly.

He pulled her into a languid kiss, holding her face as he pulled away.

“General—“ she started as he slowly parted the fabric wrapped around her waist. He eyed her with a dark silent look as he went to his knees.

“Would you have me kneel to you, Sol Koroleva?”

She smirked at him, weaving a hand into his dark locks and pulling him forward. His answering smile was glorious to her eyes. Victorious and tender at the same time and she relished it as he devoured her center.

“Aleksander.” Her voice was weak and he shook his head, clutching her harder. Hands gripped her thighs and secured them tight over his shoulders and he groaned into her further. His tongue relentless in pursuit of her pleasure. Driving her higher and harder than she knew was possible.

A torrent of pleasure with him and she briefly mourned what she realized was now over. There would be no other lovers. Not for her anyway.

The vibrating tether in her chest was a living thing now. Where it previously lay dormant, it now pulsed. Untamed and unleashed and rooting into her body at multiple weak spots. The palms of her hands, the soles of her feet, the nape of her neck, the base of her spine. Her gut. Her chest.

It was everywhere and she was lighting up from within with the magnitude of its power.

The strength and bond of their somehow ancient connection. Ancient in the way it stretched behind them in time but also in the way it surged forward into the coming years. Into their Inevitable future.

If she wondered whether the effect was the same for him, it didn’t take long to recognize the surrounding shadows pouring from him as he lost himself in her. She whimpered at his alternating ferocity and gentleness before remembering.

Her responsibilities. Her promise to herself.

“Sasha.” There it was. Firm and accompanied with a tightening of her hand in his hair, tugging him away.

When his gaze flicked up to meet hers she almost gasped at the feral look of him. Shiny mouthed, panting. Knuckles white where they pressed her thighs to his shoulders. Eyebrows bunched in irritation at her interruption.

Her rabid, wild Shadow Summoner pulled from his meal before he was sated.

“We can’t.” Her voice was strained. Irritation deepened into defiance across his features.

“Another lover, is it?” He spat the words out.

Her eyes squeezed shut and she felt the wetness in them gathering and shook her head.

“There is no one else. There will be no one else.” The grip on his hair gentled as she smoothed the back of his head and he lost a centimeter of rigidity from his posture.

“Then why.”

“It’s too soon.” The words were stifled. More wanted to follow but she would not let it and he grunted in frustration.

“We can’t.” She repeated to herself.

His face drifted back toward her shining folds, his eyes locked on hers as he brushed a careful tongue over her core. She whimpered again, hand twisting his locks and she meant to pull him away.

“No, Alina. You can.” His heated breath fanned over her and she shivered, “Just you. For tonight.”

She looked dismayed but it melted when he bestowed another long, slow lick to her center.

“Please.” The word came from his lips and it shocked both of them. Her hands stroked over his ears and met in his hair and when he leaned in again she did not stop him.

He was wonderfully cruel in his own brand of torture. His touch purposefully delicate and calculated. He worked her up toward the edge before redirecting his attentions until she calmed.

“Sasha.” The cry was wrenched from her mouth as she tried to snap her thighs shut around his face. To force the attention she was desperately craving thanks to him. He persevered in keeping them open. Leveraging her pleasure for his purposes.

“Promise me.” He demanded between a soft caress of his tongue, tone at odds with the motion.

“Promise what?” It was a struggle to keep her eyes open as her head wanted to tilt back.

“You will come back to me.”

“You already know that I will.”

He pressed a finger into her, then another.

“Promise it. Promise you will be mine. Only mine.”

She keened and clutched his wrist in encouragement.

“And will you be mine, General? Will the Darkling belong only to the Sun Summoner?”

His fingers curled and he licked his lips, watching her take her pleasure.

“I will give myself to you alone, Alina.” His fingers curled again and she shuddered feeling so close to something so big.

“Then I promise to be yours. As much as you are mine. I will take everything you have to give, and everything you try to hide away will be mine. All of it will be mine, Sasha.”

He grunted, swallowing against her and sucking. She screamed out as she finally finished. Wave after wave of pulsing euphoria spreading over her and through her and from her chest and into the very root of her being.

The lapping continued and he kept his eyes fixed on her for the minutes following as she trembled and shuddered under his attention.

Bestowing a few lingering kisses to her thighs and smearing the moisture across them, he carefully removed her legs from his shoulders and got to his feet. When he was planted firmly between her legs, he took hold of her face again.

His forehead leaned against hers. She reached for him this time and kissed him hungrily. To her surprise, he broke away, breathing in through his nose in a deep way. His chest brushed her with each breath.

“I’m trying to prove to you I can be sweet and you are making it very difficult.”

Her answering smile was radiant.

He kissed it.

“Tell me where you are.” The demanding tone was back and she chuckled.

“I’m here. With you.” Fingers stroked his chest. His hand covered hers and he pressed it into himself and growled.

“I forgot how much you infuriate me.”

“I underestimated how enjoyable it would be still.”

His nostrils flared but his chest warmed at her mirth.

She pinched a strand of his hair between her fingers, still grinning, “We’ve brought about your miracle, after all. It is very satisfying to be this holy. Do you not agree?”

He had no words, only kisses which he placed on her cheeks, her ears, a nip to her jaw, a pull on her neck.

“Aleksander,” it was whispered. He sensed her imminent departure and kissed her again with increasing desperation. She met him with equal fervor, both unable to get close enough to satisfy the ending. When his face was buried into her neck and she clutched his body to her, she made a last attempt to secure his soul.

“In light of our miracle, can I make a request?” He nodded against her shoulder, a tender kiss placed over her pulse. “Sometimes you should take some prisoners. Please.”

Her eyes raked over his features, some kind of affection or devotion shared in their last looks. With them it seemed one posture easily slipped into the other. The lives of Saints, he supposed.

Then she was gone.

[nothing-but-dreamy]

FOREVER

Pairing: FFXV!NYX ULRIC x FEM!READER

Words: 2.331

Warnings: fluff, hurt-comfort

"Having a new girlfriend there?", Libertus teased what earned him a slap against his arm from Crowe.

"No, guys. That's Yn. She's ... She arrived here in Insomnia yesterday.", Yamachang introduced the small woman next to his side, "Please, be nice to her."

Yn felt nervous as the group of friends stared at her. Five pairs of eyes were looking expectant as if she had to tell a big story about herself. Just one pair of eyes was different. The eyes of the guy with the name Nyx made her speechless. It was their intensity that caught her attention. The handsomeness of the man kept her in his unspoken spell.

"Where do you come from, Yn?", Crowe asked softly as she saw how nervous the young woman seemed to be in front of a bunch of strangers.

Yn smiled softly, thankful to get distracted, "Galahd. I'm from Galahd."

***

It didn't need much time til Yn was a big part of the group of friends. Pelna, Libertus, Crowe and Luche included her immediately. Making her feel welcomed. Nyx did the same with the difference that, within a very short time, Yn was far more for him than just a friend. She was home.

Whenever he saw her, Nyx' heart made a little jump because, in a bitter-sweet, beautiful way, she reminded him of what he had lost. It was as if she had taken everything from the island to store it inside of her. Piece by piece, she released parts of it. Her voice was like the wind in the trees. Her laugh was like the singing of the birds. Her smile was as bright as the endless sky. And her eyes were sparkling like the open sea on a fresh summer day.

Every day, after his shift with the Glaives, Nyx was eager to go to Yamachang's with the hope to meet Yn again. Just to be in her presence gave him comfort because her character was so light and easy to have around. And that was everything Nyx allowed to himself: to have her around him with the others because he was far away from being the right man for her.

Every evening, when the Glaives came, Yn looked out for Nyx and smiled shyly at him when he passed her. But one evening was different. The others were already there but Nyx was nowhere to be seen.

"Nyx comes a bit later.", Crowe said low, stepping next to Yn as she saw her searching glance, "He... He works at the gate watch at the moment."

"Oh, why?", Yn asked, frowning why he did this unusual job. Every refugee learnt quickly how the gate watch was thinking of outsiders.

"Well... as punishment. During our last fight at the wall, he ignored our Captain's orders. If he wouldn't have done that, some of us would be dead now.", Crowe explained before she went back to Pelna to ask him something.

Yn dwelled on what Crowe had told her and as Nyx showed up finally, her heart made a jump as her eyes landed on the hero.

"Nyx the gatekeeper. Tell me, how's the new post treat you.", Pelna asked even if he knew the answer already.

"The gate watch are real sweethearts. You would love it.", Nyx said sarcastically and brought Yn back to reality from her day dreaming.

"Yeah, everyone knows that they hate us outsiders.", Pelna said and thanked Yn with a smile as she gave him a new drink.

Yn turned over to Nyx and looked at him. She smiled beautifully as their eyes met. And he smiled back softly like always, taking the drink from her she offered him. But he did nothing more. It wouldn't be fair to drag her into his chaotic life. No matter how much he wanted someone next to him. To have someone just for himself. Who would care for him more than just as a friend. Someone who would be there for him. But he couldn't demand from Yn to live a life of pain and uncertainty just so he wouldn't be lonely. Even when she represented everything he was searching for.

***

Then, one evening, a few days later, Yn waited til the night that Nyx would show up at Yamachang's but he stayed away. Pelna told her not to worry too much. Nyx was still working at the gate and maybe he had a rough day. But Yn worried because she liked the greyish haired Glaive so much. So, she asked Yamachang for a bunch of meat skewers, wrapped them and as the friends were gone, she made her way through the underground to reach his place.

It wasn't far away but with each step, Yn noticed how her hands became sweaty and she became nervous. It was the first time to visit him and as she knocked, Yn already considered what she was doing but then, there was no turning back as she heard footsteps behind the door.

As Nyx opened the door, he expected Libertus or Crowe. But the last he expected were the bright eyes and wide smile he loved to see so much, "Yn? What are you doing here?", Nyx asked surprised.

Yn, who was always a bit nervous around Nyx, gnawed on her lower lip, "Y-you weren't at Yamachang's tonight.", she said low, casting her eyes to the ground.

Nyx scratched the back of his neck. To stay away had been a hard decision but he noticed how he started to fall for the young woman, so he wanted to keep some distance from her, "Yeah... I... I wasn't in the best mood. I just wanted to be alone.", he lied and felt bad as he saw that she believed him.

Yn's eyes grew a bit bigger as she realized that she had done the wrong thing, "Oh... Oh... Uhm... I- I'm ... Okay, then I will leave you alone again. Sorry for bothering you.", she stammered and noticed her cheeks turning pink. Understanding that the idea had been stupid after all, Yn turned over to leave.

Nyx knew he should let her go, it would be the easiest way, but as he saw her sad, disappointed expression, he couldn't watch her walk away like this, "No! Please, wait. You're not bothering me. I was just surprised... I have just don't expect you here.", he said with a soft smile as he saw her stopping.

Yn looked down at the small package in her hand, "Yeah, about that... I brought you some food. I thought you might be hungry.", she said and looked carefully at him.

Nyx was taken aback about the fact that she cared so much about him, "That's so nice from you.", he said and watched amazed how a beautiful smile spread on her lips and before Nyx could stop himself he spoke again, bubbling out the question he had in mind, "You... Do you wanna come in?"

Yn was surprised about his invitation but she agreed. Happily, she watched how Nyx seemed to devour the food in one go as if he hadn't eaten in years. Nyx had placed Yn into his comfortable arm chair, the only neat place he could find for her before he sat on his bed to eat.

While letting him eat, Yn looked through the room. Her eyes landed on the pictures of his family and felt sadness for his loss. She knew how he felt, being in the same position as him as she had come to Insomnia. She also had lost her family, her home and was alone. Yn was thankful for Yamachang and that he had introduced her to his friends. But as she watched Nyx, the feeling of being more than just friends with him increased even more.

So, as it became late and she was about to leave Nyx' place to go home, Yn took all her courage to try her luck, "Nyx, I... I- I like you.", she said softly, stopping at the door where Nyx wanted to say goodnight.

"I like you, too.", Nyx said casually, not thinking about what she really meant.

Once again, Yn became nervous as she looked up at him, "N-no, I-I- I mean I like you.", she said more meaningfully.

"But, I.... Oh...", Nyx breathed as he realized. She had said what he wanted to hear and yet, it was the last thing he should hear from her considering the fact that he didn't see himself as worthy of her.

"Yeah...", Yn said low and looked away from his intense glance.

There were the things Nyx wanted to say desperately and then, there were the things he should say, "Yn...", he sighed, annoyed more about himself, "You shouldn't like me that way.", he said low.

Yn looked up, "Why not?", she asked impulsively before she realized what Nyx meant, "Oh, I see... You don't feel the same. I... Uhm... Okay.", she said crestfallen and just wanted to leave, getting away from Nyx and his handsome face.

As Nyx saw her like this, his heart dropped and even if it would be the best to let her go, he couldn't do it like this, "Yn, wait. It's not because of you.", he said softly.

"Sure. What a cliché.", Yn said low, not looking at him.

Nyx took a breath, "No, just wait. Yn, you're wonderful, beautiful, lovely... you're gorgeous but ... I'm a Glaive. This life is nothing you would deserve. Not after everything you went through. Nothing would be certain with me. You would fear for my life whenever I wear this uniform. You would have sleepless nights because you don't know if I'm still alive or not during a battle. We would fight often because you ask me to quit the job and I would say no. I would feel bad for making you sad because I couldn't change it. And even if no one else sees it, I'm broken. I have nightmares and flashbacks at random times. Why would you want to deal with a guy like me?"

"Because I think you're worth it.", Yn said, seeing that her words hit the man in front of her.

Insecurity was written in Nyx' eyes but there was also hope. Hope that she really meant what she just said.

Yn stepped forward by the sight of his emotion-filled eyes, "I can't heal your wounds and I can't stop your nightmares but I can comfort you. I can be there for you when you need someone to cling to. I could be there for you when you need someone to bring you back from your flashbacks. Of course, I would worry for you when you're out there because I want you to come back into my arms. I would try to get you away from the Glaives even if I know I would never be successful. And that's okay. That's how you are. But I wouldn't stop trying. I wouldn't stop fighting. You know why I would do all this? Because I don't see any flaws in you. For me, you're the nicest, most handsome and most perfect guy I have ever seen. Your eyes are the bluest and wildest, matching the deepest ocean. When you talk, I could listen to you for hours. Your lips are the ones I'm craving for to taste, at least just once. I would admire every single scar on your body because they're the signs of your endless strength, devotion and determination. You might not see yourself as perfect. But you don't have to. Because I see you like this.", she stopped her speech with a pounding heart. While still looking into his eyes, she gnawed on her lower lip before she added, "Let me love you, Nyx. You don't have to be alone. Let me in your life and I promise I will try to make it easier for you.", she whispered and waited for his reaction. She had said everything on her mind. Everything she always thought when she saw him. Now, it was his turn to react.

A single tear slipped from Nyx' eyes and rolled along his cheek. Yn raised her hand slowly to brush it away with her thumb. Just this small touch kindled a roaring fire inside of him. Still overwhelmed that someone thought about him like this, he stepped forward, cupping her face softly in fear she could break under his hands before he connected their lips for a desperate kiss.

Yn's fingers found their way into his shirt to get hold as Nyx' reaction took her by surprise. The hero kissed her with such a force that her breath hitched in her throat but she didn't even care. The only thing she wanted was to have the man even closer. Slowly, she stroked from his chest down to his hips and over them to his back to slip her hands underneath the fabric of his shirt to feel his skin.

As Nyx felt Yn's nails digging softly into his skin, he backed away for some air. Panting, he leant his forehead against hers with closed eyes while his heart was racing in his chest, "Can you stay? Forever?", he whispered shakily.

"Actually, my plan was to bring you food so you wouldn't be starving but yeah, I think I can manage to stay forever as well.", she whispered and was happy to hear a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

"I was already starving and then you came along, making me happy just with your being.", Nyx whispered, looking her into the eyes, "And now, you turn into the reason why I always want to come back home. Obviously, now, I have to be a bit more cautious.", he whispered before he embraced her, burying his nose into the crook of Yn's neck to inhale her scent and to bring her even closer.

Bursting with joy, Yn flung her arms around the hero's chest, snuggling against him with the promise to never let him go.

[theemptyskies]

Ok I'm posting this first chapter a little late haha. It was for @azulaweek for Day 2 Rare Pairs and Day 4 AU.

It's going to be a Buffy the Vampire Slayer and AtLA crossover.

Hope y'all enjoy! Shout out to @juniperhillpatient for motivating me to give this a shot. You're awesome 🙂

Any feedback is appreciated ❤

Displacement - A New Beginning

Content Warning: Major Character Death, Graphic Depictions of Violence, Blood and Gore

Summary

The rise of Vaatu leads to unprecedented darkness falling upon the world. Unexpected events lead to Azula learning to live in an unknown world, preparing for an uncertain future.

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A spell to close the Hellmouth in "The Zeppo" has unexpected consequences. With no way of sending the newcomer home, Buffy, Faith and the Scoobies do their best to help the young girl adapt to her new home.

Or

While facing the possible end of the world, Azula finds herself transported through the newly created hellmouth, ending up in Sunnydale. Watch as she grows and adapts in this new world, learning to overcome the pain of losing loved ones, finding a family, and starting to see this as a new opportunity at life.

Anyone who thought the Fire Nation was evil was a fool. At least they should feel they are, given the darkness that has enveloped the world in the four years since the war has ended. It all began last year when Avatar Roku warned Avatar Aang that there was a risk of a dark spirit breaking free. He called it Vatu. It was the spirit of chaos and darkness, the antithesis to the Avatar spirit. 

The spirit had a sort of cult worshipping it. Avatar Aang tried to stop them himself, not wanting to involve their friends and risk our safety. That was his first mistake. It left Katara and myself woefully unprepared for the cult's ambush. We fought them off as best as we could, but there were far too many. In the end, our cottage was left in ruins, dead waterless foliage caked in our enemy's blood, I was nearly beaten unconscious, and Katara was taken. 

They times the kidnapping perfectly, just a day before their planned ritual to free Vaatu from his imprisonment. Avatar Aang, the foolish child that he is, refused to leave Katara's rescue to Sokka, Toph, and myself. His inability to let go of the infatuation he holds for Katara gave the cult enough time to break Vaatu's bindings. It was then the darkest days came.

Upon its release, Vaatu, with the help of its cult, performed a ritual. Black tendrils erupted from its body, tearing across the skies and burrowing into the earth, its physical dorm dissolving in the process. Agni's light was blocked by shadows stripping bending from Firebenders across the glow. From the five largest points, great beasts emerged. Enormous, otherworldly, monstrosities that the worst of nightmares couldn't compare to. Following their emergence, a diverse horde of smaller, equally horrid, creatures poured from the openings. 

There was no time to prepare. Within hours the largest cities were reduced to unrecognizable ruins. Formerly bustling streets were transformed into rivers of red. Body parts left strewn across the rubble. Images of beast feasting on children still haunt my mind. Even our own friends weren't able to escape the carnage. We managed to find Ty Lee the last of the living Kyoshi Warriors, just as she was impaled on the claws of a bald, gaunt humanoid-looking monster. It managed to rip an arm from her body by the time we closed the distance enough for Katara to decapitate it with a disk of ice. Her last words will forever be seared in my mind.

"I'm happy you're ok 'Zula."

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Over the two weeks, since The Emergence began, Aang was almost non-stop searching for and rescuing survivors. We established a temporary refugee camp at the unoccupied Southern Air Temple. Like an endlessly erupting volcano, the creature continued rising from the pits Vatu created. Isolated locations like the Air Temples and Water Tribes were the only places still safe, for now at least.

Knowing that allowing events to continue unimpeded, Aang turned to the spirits for guidance. The Air Temple's sacred grounds made the transition from the mortal world to the spiritual plane much easier. Sitting in the temple powerless as Katara held me, waiting for Aang to return from the spirit world, listening to the distant roars of monsters below the clouds, I don't think I ever felt so terrified. 

Almost like she could sense my fear, Katara held me tighter, softly kissed the top of my head while gently running her fingers through my now unkempt hair. It's strange how the moment I felt the most fear was followed by one where I felt incredibly safe. As her gentle caresses lulled me to sleep, I heard a whisper from my lover. A hope a clung to until the very end.

"Everything will be ok Zula. We'll make it through this."

Two days later, Aang returned from the spirit world. With the help of Avatar Roku, he had managed to make contact with Rava, the spirit of light and the source of the Avatar's power. With the information she gave us, we were able to come up with a plan. Vaatu's ritual tore open portals that were connected to another dimension. They were directly connected to the five largest beasts that first erupted from them. While the portals themselves couldn't be closed, the pits that housed them would be sealed, finally stopping the endless stream of monsters from pouring into our world. All they had to do was kill the five great beasts.

Admittedly, it wasn't much of a plan. As Sokka had put it "So all we have to do is take out monsters the size of small palaces? Great! You know, for once, why couldn't the world-saving plan be easy." I rolled my eyes at his remark at the time but didn't make a retort. The small smiles that our friends held were worth dealing with his rather poor sense of humor. Besides, he was family after all, and if he said something too stupid I'm sure Katara would've happily frozen him to the ceiling.

Rava's power, being the opposite of Vaatu's, would lure the massive beasts to Aang, acting as a sort of beacon. The general plan was that Aang would activate the Avatar State, he would kill the beasts near the pits, we would keep the army of smaller monsters away from Aang while he fights the bigger ones, don't die. Said like that, the plan sounded risky but simple. Unfortunately, it was anything but simple.

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There were a few Earthbenders among the rescued survivors that volunteered to help. We knew we couldn't hold back a never-ending army. After talking with Sokka, rapidly formulating and dismissing plans, the best we came up with was having the Earthbenders create a dome over the pit. This would grab the attention of the surrounding creatures. While they focused on not letting the army break through the barrier, the rest of us would protect the Earthbenders until the beast was slain. 

Naturally, it wasn't that simple. Rava failed to mention that as each beast died, only some of Vaatu's energy returned to the pit, sealing it. The rest dispersed to the remaining beasts, making them stronger. The first there battles went relatively smoothly, the growing strength of the beasts was more and more apparent with each successive fight. We experienced a handful of losses but nothing unexpected. Merely some inexperienced volunteers. It was the fourth battle that hit our group the hardest. 

The battle started just like every other, sealing the pit and fighting the surrounding beasts. However, due to the strength of this beast, this fight lasted far longer than the last. With our growing exhaustion, it was only a matter of time before someone made a mistake. As Sokka slew one of them, another managed to catch him off guard from behind. Faster than anyone could react, the hairless humanoid snatched his wolf-tail, yanking him back, and sunk its fangs into the side of his neck. Within seconds his skin lost all color and he was left hanging limp in the thing's arms, his sword slipping from his hands and his vacant eyes forever left wide in horror.

That fight ended soon after, with the Avatar finally defeating the creature. I had to nearly rip Katara away from her fallen brother, the last of her biological family. I held her as she cried during the entire flight back to the Southern Air Temple. Upon our arrival, Aang approached us after climbing off of Appa.

"I'm sorry for what happened to Sokka, Katara." He began. At the sound of his voice, I felt Katara stiffen in my arms. 

"You're sorry..." It was a whisper I barely heard as she pulled away, her face displaying a hatred I didn't know she was capable of. He began to speak again but she cut him off.

"How dare you come to me and say that!" She growled at him. "Like I'm sorry will make it all better! You could've stopped all of this! You could have prevented Vaatu from breaking free and none of this would've happened! Now SOKKA IS DEAD!" A loud slap echoed across the now silent temple as she struck Aang across the face. 

Her voice lowered to a whisper as she continued, tears freely falling from her eyes. "S-s-sokka is d-dead and it's all your fault... Just stay away from me..." Finishing her quiet statement, Katara ran inside the temple, away from the sympathetic stares of the gathered survivors. 

Aang watched her go, holding his own tears back before turning to me. He unfastened the strap holding Sokka's blade across his back. With both hands, he held it out to me. "Will you please give this to her. He would want her to have it."

I accepted the blade and he turned, beginning to walk away. "She didn't mean that you know. Katara's hurt and angry."

I don't know why I felt the need to offer him that small comfort. Maybe it was because Aang had taken the time, despite his exhaustion, to do this for her fiance. Regardless of the reason, he paused, shaking his head.

"Doesn't matter Azula. Even if she apologizes, we both know she's right." With that statement, he walked away. Turning, I walked in the direction Katara had run. I knew I wasn't the best at providing comfort, but that's all I could do for her now. I don't remember ever seeing her so broken, and I don't think there's anything I could've said to help.

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

Katara squeezing my hand pulled me from my memories. "Are you ok?"

I turned to look at her, seeing the concern reflected in her eyes.  I looked over the edge of the Bison's saddle, noting that the sea was replaced by land below us, before responding "Ya, I'm fine. Was just thinking about everything that happened. What brought us here."

Katara stilled, appearing to look at something that wasn't there. She was probably lost within the same memories I was moments ago. I squeezed her hand softly, wondering for a moment how her hands remained so soft after the countless battles they've been through. She jerked slightly, her eyes regaining focus before giving me a small smile. It was a rare sight in recent months but still as beautiful as the day she proposed.

"Despite everything that's happened, I'm glad you've been here with me Zula."  Katara said softly before leaning in and giving me a soft kiss that left my heart stuttering. It's amazing that, after all this time, she still has the same effect on me. It faintly reminds me of how nervous I was when I admitted out loud to Ty Lee and Zuko that I wanted to marry her. Though the nervousness I felt that day grew to be far greater when she walked around the corner in the palace hallway, clearly having heard what I said. 

I couldn't stop the small smile from forming on my face as the memory washed over me. Leaning my forehead against hers, I recalled her walking up to me, her wide-eyed, surprised, expression shifting to one of pure happiness. 

"Ya know, I've been nervous all week about giving this to you, but suddenly I feel a lot more confident." She had said jokingly, a smirk plastered on her face as she pulled a small rectangle box from her robe. She opened the box, standing barely a foot away, revealing a blue necklace, simple in design. The pendant had the symbol of the Fire Nation in the center. Only, instead of black over a red background, it was ivory over a pale blue. It was simple but perfect. 

"In the Watertribes, we use necklaces to propose. I wasn't so sure before, but something tells me I can guess your answer. Will you marry me?" Her eyes twinkled in amusement as I nodded dumbly, too shocked over what had just happened. It certainly wasn't my most elegant moment. It had taken me a few moments to process what had happened before I launched myself at her, pulling her into a searing kiss which she smiled into. Pulling away from me, with eyes full of joy and a smile lighting up her face, Katara asked "Can I put it on you?"

I nodded again, not trusting my voice. Katara pulled the necklace from its case and walked around me as it looked over at Zuko and Ty Lee both wearing equally large smiles. As soon as it was fastened, Zuko pulled us both into a large hug, quickly followed by Ty Lee, who couldn't contain her excitement. "Oh my gosh Azula! Congratulations! You're getting married! There is so much planning we have to do! The decorations, oh you know there has to be music..."

I looked into Katara's eyes, not pulling away from her, returning the smile. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be." I said softly so only she could hear, before closing the distance for another kiss.

We were pulled from our moment by Appa beginning his descent, and Aang jumping off, unfurling his glider and flying away, creating distance for his battle. Looking back towards the rapidly approaching ground of the western Earth Kingdom, I could see the sea of black dots below us start to become more defined, revealing the mass of creatures we'll soon be fighting. Appa landed with a massive gust of wind sending monsters flying, giving us a few moments to disembark and fall into formation.

As soon as Toph landed, she quickly entombed the pit in a think earthen dome, soon backed by two other Earthbenders, preventing the swarm of monsters from continuing to grow. Katara, myself and the other volunteer survivors formed a protective perimeter around them. I quickly unsheathed Sokka's black blade instead of using my dual tanto. Katara handed me the sword before we left the temple, saying Sokka would want to be here fighting with us. Looking at the gleaming dark metal, I knew she was right. 

The luminous light of the Avatar state in the distance, shortly followed by a deafening roar and rumbling earth signified the start of the battle. The monstrosities surrounding us, the same kind that butchered Ty lee, righted themselves before charging. There was a vindictive pleasure in cutting them down, watching their bodies crumble into dust as their heads rolled. The creatures were stronger and faster than normal people, that was unquestionable. However, for a veteran of the 100-year war, their attacks were laughably easy to read and counter.

As the battle drew on, the quakes from Aang's battle with the giant, snake-like beast continued, and exhaustion slowly began to seep in. There was a yell to my left followed by a sickening snap that drew my attention. The limp body of a survivor was held by one of our enemies, head twisted to an unnatural degree. It carelessly threw the body into another ally that was attempting to flank it before running towards the earthbenders.

"Katara!" I yelled, directing her to the monster. She quickly launched a disk of ice, decapitating the beast.

"Fall in!" I yelled, causing our allies to move closer to the earthbenders, closing the gap in our defense.

I risked a glance towards Aang's fight to see the serpent falling from a newly formed mountain, who's shadow covered our battlefield. The end of its tail was coiled around the light of the Avatar State. Not a moment later, a massive quake tore across the Earth, the impact echoing in its wake. Chaotic black and red energy tore through the air, washing over us, blasting through the cover of the pit, and, for the first time in ages, I felt my Firebending return as Agni's light shined once again.

Unlike before, when the energy entered the hole it pulsed. Before I could react, some of the energy solidified, wrapping around my waist, before it began to drag me with it. 

"Azula!" I heard Katara yelled as she raced towards me, skating across her ice. Using it, Katara launched herself off the ramp, rapidly closing the distance between us. Her left hand gripped mine as she used the last of her water to freeze her feet to the ground, stopping the energy from pulling me further.

I smirked at the display. "Very impressive Master Katara." I said causing her to roll her eyes.

"Only you could brush off nearly dying so easily." She said, her light tone trying to hide the strain of fighting the pulling tendril of energy. Her expression softened before she looked me in the eyes and said "I told you we would make it through this remember. I'm not gonna let you make a list out of..." Her words abruptly stopped as warm blood splattered across my face. "Zula... Your face..." Her voice was weak, words barely audible. My mind shut down, a sinking emptiness filled me as I started at the now crimson fist sticking through my fiance's chest. I couldn't help but look into her wide, horrified, blue eyes as the first extracted itself. Her grip on my hand didn't lessen as the bloodied hand gripped her hair, pulling her head to the side.

Gaunt, bald, fanged monsters peered at me from over her shoulder, giving me a sickening, malicious, grin before sinking its teeth into the side of Katara's neck. Her mouth opened in a silent scream, the grip on my hand weakening. The slick blood coating her front caused my hand to slide out of hers within a moment, my grip causing her ring to slide off with it. I watched, unable to speak, as the tendril of energy pulled me into to pit. The last thing I saw being the light leaving Katara's beautiful eyes as it tore its fangs from her throat.

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"For untold eons, demons walked the Earth. They made it their home, their, uh... their hell. But in time, they lost their purchase on this reality, and the way was made for mortal animals, for-for man. All that remains of the old ones are vestiges, certain magicks, certain creatures." -- Rupert Giles

[d4rk-x-w0lf-17]

I haven't played wizard 101 in forever so it's super nice seeing it again please tell more about your au if you want to of course

OK SO

I don't have a lot about this AU in terms of plot but basically Sam runs away from home because he doesn't want to conform to the ideal citizen (also he hates the abundant racism against the cats). When he steps off world, he sees all the magic that he never got to see back in Marleybone and wants to learn himself. He meets Arthur in Ravenwood and basically becomes his teaching assistant since he's fascinated by Balance magic, but he also wants to learn Ice magic so he can defend himself.

As for Max, he gets his ass handed to him and thrown out of his home in the Tower of the Helephant; his magic gets sealed and out of fear for his life; he flees as he doesn't want to face Belladonna Crisp for failing in his one purpose and just faceplants into Ravenwood. After trying to pick a fight with Balestrom (and failing), he realized that he was basically set back to level one and just goes "fuck it" and teaches himself Fire magic but refuses to let Dalia teach him out of spite.

Merle catches wind of the two 'refugees' and calls them to his office and that's how the two meet. They're forced to stay together in a dorm room until they can get their situations settled.

[bratxfantasy]

His name falls from your lips in tandem, and it's not until he feels your honey-like slick coat his pants —his clothed, hard cock— that he reacts.

His lips meet yours; quickly, his tongue against your lower lip encourages you to let it in, as he caresses yours ever so sweetly.

His hands land on your hips, the grip on them is strong. He's panting and he's barely done anything; it was you who did all the job.

"D-don't... don't apologize..." he pants, once he breaks away from the kiss. His wine red orbs trail up to meet your glossy eyes, pupils dilated in lust.

"I'm going to make you feel better, okay? I can do that, if you let me."

Your nod makes him bite his lip, taking in some of the mixture of you and his drool.

His strength makes it easy to lift you up, then lying you down on the mattress.

This moment is special, because he's going to make you his on his bed, your bed —Brittany and Tanjiro's bed— for the first time, that first time that will be forever.

Because he'd be damned if he'd ever let you go.

His heart beats so hard it looks like it's about to burst from his ribcage as he undoes the knot that keeps your kimono covering you, opening you just like a Christmas present.

His big hand places itself on one of your boobs, and a rough thumb brushes your nipple, not stopping even when it gets rock hard.

You're responding so well to him... Like you truly want him to do these things to you.

"Such a good girl..." He says, as two fingers trail down from your belly to your count, slowly and gently. He's soft, treating his goddess with the utmost care.

"This will help too, you just relax, okay?" Is what he says when other thumb meets your clit, rubbing it in circles, as slowly and gently, "Let boss help..."

As he gets drunk on your moans and whimpers, he takes the chance to slip into your drooling hole; your walls flutter at the very same instant his digits push their way in.

Tanjiro is sedulous. And once something is on his mind, nothing and no one can stop him.

Even if he needs that love potion, he's going to use it over and over again, until it's no longer necessary and you can look at him with the eyes of genuine love.

He's always wondered what you taste like, so the moment his slick coated fingers enter his mouth, his pupils dilate even beyond possible.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry Britt... Y-you taste so sweet... I need it, I need it— I need more—"

It happens quickly; now he's nestled in between your thighs. You didn't seem to realize it until his tongue starts desperately ravishing your cunt, his nose nuzzling against your clit, and a loud moan resonating against your folds.

"P-please, Brittany..!" He pleads, stopping to lick you again, "Please let me taste you more!"

Please, Brittany. Make this man blissful, grant his wish.

He's dying of thirst.

-ceo tanji (but make it yandere.)

I arch my back, the sensation taking over. His fingers, his tongue, it’s all so much for me. His soft praises, his movements with his tongue hitting all of the right spots while my walls clamp his digits.

“Please, Tanjiro, I can’t—“ I can barely get the words out. I am so close, he is making me so close without even trying.

Heat rushed to my cheeks in embarrassment. How can I be doing this with my boss right now? He is pleasuring me and making me cum like no other man has. This isn’t normal.

“Daddy,” I whimper, “ I’m about to—“

Like my body was no longer in my control, I released onto Tanjiro, not even noticing the forbidden nickname I just spoke as I pant heavily, my orgasm being reached. My hands find refugee in his soft hair, tugging on it slightly for support, not wanting to meet his eyes.

[ephemeralgalaxies]

Loki Ep4 Spoilers below (once more bc I just can't help myself, can I?)

It's been a while since I've had a character as interesting as Mobius to analyze and I have no chill. Spoilers start below:

Also some spoilers for WandaVision but it's been months so hopefully y'all have seen it

TL;DR Mobius really trying to connect back with Loki in order to try and bring the TVA down (and also bc "oops, Loki was right, guess I gotta own up to that bitterness") and it works but it hurts so much. Also see: I can't stop watching this scene over and over trying to understand Mobius' subtle actions bc his reaction here is so different than in all other scenes where he's usually calm or trying to delve deep into Loki's mind for information. Now he's just desperate.

Ok so I know I made a post talking about Mobius' jealousy in that interrogation scene but I also want to touch on when he comes back again after seeing the footage from C-20's interrogation scene bc man is so desperate here and I'm crying

(I'm sorry, I can't get gifs to work for me today so we just using images. But I got these from this post)

Mobius was so hurt last time we saw him, Loki being thrown back into the time cell with Lady Sif, hitting our dear agent with "out of all the liars in this place... you are the biggest... for the [lies] you tell yourself." Mobius has been pushing down all these doubts, hiding all his questions and curiosities of the TVA for a while. He's teased Ravonna, but could never really get anywhere. Then after speaking with Loki about Sylvie, about "you're all variants", Hunter B-15's suspicions, the oddness of C-20's "death" (M:"she was just fine before." R:"well, then she suddenly wasn't fine."). Mobius is finally allowing himself to realize things, to question truly what is going on. (R: "Is that what you wanted to hear?" M: "Yeah, if that's the truth." R: "You've been around Lokis too long.")

In this scene, when he comes back to the time cell for Loki, he's frustrated, he's angry, he's desperate. Everything is a lie. He can't pretend anymore. Loki has bonded with Sylvie (actually caring for another human being without the trauma of Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok) ((I'm begging you, pls let him see a variant of Thor in this series and get to bond again, I miss them)). C-20 is likely pruned and gone forever with no answers. B-15 is getting anxious and unfocused. Ravonna is snapping at him and manipulating him with those long speeches (please, Mobius has heard enough from Loki's videos to know when he's being manipulated by fake sentimental words). He's tired, no longer patient enough for all the little quips-- he just need answers. For once in his "life" at the TVA, he just wants the truth. Something to safely hold to.

He's just put Loki through this timeloop of Lady Sif, of someone from home someone that could've been close to him under different circumstances, someone his brother cared about, kicking him/slapping him/ berating him with "you deserve to be alone, and you always will be." Loki's whole "Sacred Timeline Life" marks him to "always be alone", to finally get close to people before being torn away (whether in his own volition or by someone/something else). But with Loki caring for Sylvie, maybe even loving her, this changes everything for this Loki. He could finally care enough to save someone, to go out of his way in order to help others at his own cost. And Mobius knows this.

He asks again, desperate, pleading, hoping. Loki has to believe in himself, has to love himself enough to think to believe that he deserves a family, love, security from his greatest fear. He has to have changed because if not, then he'll either get pruned or wind up just like Mobius. Either way, gone from existence-- life erased, precious memories of "what if", "what once was", obliterated. He has to believe, or it'll happen again and again and again. To everyone, to the whole universe, unless something someone could do the impossible and shatter all reality.

With Wanda (specifically in WandaVision, final episode end credits), with her searching for her children and Vision, attempting the impossible and blending her realities in order to give them life because she needs them, she loves them. (M: "If you really care about [Sylvie]..."). This threat to the Sacred Timeline, pushing closer and closer to the MCU Multiverse, because they have to, because they want to.

(sorry again for bland picture, I love his expression in this gif but it wont load)

Mobius knows Loki is hurting-- from Lady Sif, from his past, from failing to protect Sylvie on his own, from Mobius not believing him and calling him "just a bad friend". He knows Loki could learn to believe, but he doesn't yet. Only Frigga ever told him she believed in him, he needs to hear it again. He needs to know he deserves love because he is loved. Mobius does, "believe, stupidly" (ep2) that Loki has this potential.

When I first saw this scene in the trailers, I was nervous it would be in the context of Mobius trying to get Loki on the TVA's side, "someone good". But here, this is so much better-- he knows the TVA is lying, is manipulating, is destroying lives. (L: "No one bad is every truly bad, and no one good is ever truly good" ep2 again lol). Loki knows he's not "truly good", that he's hurt people-- whether he planned to or not. But he can still be good. He can still choose to love, to care, to believe.

He can be what he's always wanted, what Frigga promised him, what he's always feared. He can be known, be loved, be safe-- Loki doesn't just fear being alone, he fears people choosing to leave him. That's why the memory of Lady Sif instead of Thor reaching for him on the Rainbow Bridge or Thanos threatening the Asgardian refugees or even Odin trying to explain why he "saved" Loki when he fought Loki's homeland. This memory was casual, simple, unnecessary. But it's always the smallest moments that truly impact us the most-- the slight changes.

When Mobius says this to Loki, he freezes-- he's confused, hesitant, scared. No one tells him this, why is someone telling him this, how can I believe this?

And then:

.And the little shrug Mobius gives here

It's so casual, so simple, so nonchalant. He just wants to reassure Loki that he still cares. He just spent a whole interrogation hounding on Loki for finding love with Sylvie, for changing with her (jealous boi be jealous), for lying to him and betraying him (M: "You don't do partners... unless ofc it benefits you and you intend to betray them at some point"). But now, now he's stopped lying to himself. He knows he cares, that Loki has a chance, that they have to burn this place down. Mobius wants stop this from ever happening again, from someone ever having to go through what Loki's gone through, being told they can never be loved because that's just how the Timeline goes. That a kid would be taken away from their family (probably because Sylvie presents feminine?? Idk, feel like MCU Odin wouldn't be so good with that). He has to reassure Loki, he wants to, because no one should ever feel that way again.

(and frick I really hate this, please look at the gifs from the linked post above, u gotta see his precious smile grow)

LOOK AT THIS SMILE, LOOK AT HIM HE'S HAPPY. And it was such a small, subtle apology from Mobius but it made all the difference bc he told Loki that he believes in him. And then they walk back out of the time cell, side-by-side, looking at each other. Content, safe, prepared to face the world together. He's no longer alone.

... And then ofc this happens...

*cue my heart shattering* (bless Hiddleston's acting).

The fact that you can even hear the hitch in Mobius' breath as he realizes this is the end of the line for him, that Ravonna knows and there's no going back--he's not making it out of this.

"One last desperate trick from the desperate trickster."

He talks about the jetski, about what his life might have been, he knows this hits Loki, being ripped from your timeline, losing all that potential. More importantly, it gives Loki a reason to fight. A silent, "Don't let this happen again. Don't let them get away with this. Please, remember me, don't let me disappear." But it doesn't work, because the one thing Mobius didn't account for, is that Loki cares about him. That now, the fight drains out of him. They pruned Mobius, ofc they'll get to Loki and Sylvie. They didn't even hesitate. Loki just lost, once again, the only other person who ever told him they believed in him. "You can be whoever, whatever..." "She told me I could do anything..."

Loki is less of a narcissist and more of a person desperate to fill that hole inside-- he's been neglected, cast aside, told he should want this and then never getting it. A "Glorious Purpose" to always hide in the shadows, to cause suffering, to give others a reason to unite against him. But for once, just once he hoped that he didn't have to do it alone-- that he could unite. And then they crushed those beautiful few seconds of hope like it was just another tedious, burdening purpose of the TVA.

(credits of images/gifs to the original posts linked, none were mine as I can't figure this out at all lol)

[astudyinfreewill]

u should do ... the brushing/braiding hair prompt ... with a certain pair of Asgardian bros ... you don't know who this is ofc this question is out of nowhere and it's certainly not Michelle ...

oh wow then i better get to this completely random prompt that i got from a completely random person who is definitely absolutely not michelle...........

here you go ~anon:

94. Hair Brushing/Braiding (prompt from this list)

Thor & Loki, ~2k, canon-divergent after Thor: Ragnarok (aka, alternate universe where Thanos’ crusty ass never shows up and the Asgardian refugee ship hits a few different planets before setting out for Earth)

It was after the third time Loki refused a meal by forcibly blasting the tray out of the room that Thor decided to step in.

As far as causing mischief went, disintegrating food trays was incredibly tame for Loki, but Thor was annoyed all the same. They had all been packed together on the Ark for far too long -- the two of them, Valkyrie, Korg, Banner, and the remnants of what had been their mighty people -- and no matter what discomfort his brother was in, Thor was not going to let him start a mutiny by throwing tantrums.

He opened the door to Loki’s cabin, cursorily knocking on the frame a couple times as he let himself in.

“You know, brother, scaring the kitchen staff with snakes was all well and good when we were living at the palace, but we are in pretty close quarters here. Everyone is making an effort to get along well. You should really try to be more polite.”

“Polite? What for?” Loki all but snarled in response. “So they can bring me more tasteless meals as I’m trapped in this horrid little cot on this miserable ship headed to Norns-know-where?”

Thor sighed. Loki had been difficult -- well, more difficult than usual -- ever since they’d visited an uninhabited little planet that looked like it could be a suitable place to start rebuilding their home. As it turned out, not only was the planet completely barren, with no water to be found anywhere, but some chemical in its atmosphere seemed to have had a very ill effect on Loki, resulting in a heavy intoxication that he was still labouring to get out of his system.

That had been a week ago, and while Loki was doing much better now, he was still finding it hard to stand on his own for more than a few minutes, his muscles still working to expel the toxins and seizing up at intervals, which confined him to one of the tiny cabins in what had become the infirmary wing of the ship. Needless to say, he was not pleased about it.

Thor knew his brother had never taken well to being ill -- neither of them did -- but antagonising the people deliberately was just… unhelpful. His annoyance increased.

“You know, If you’re so upset by having to sit about doing nothing, can’t you just…” -- he gestured vaguely to Loki’s body, wiggling his fingers in a way that was meant to indicate magic -- “...you know. Heal yourself?”

Loki sucked a sigh in through his teeth and exhaled heavily from the nose, which Thor knew was meant to show supreme frustration. “That’s not what my seidr is trained for, and you know it.”

In truth, Thor didn’t. He had never really been privy to the magic lessons Frigga had imparted on his brother, and he had covered up the slight sting of being excluded by pretending he couldn’t care less.

“It was already shameful enough for Father to have one of his sons use tricks in battle instead of hitting things with a hammer,” Loki continued, making Thor frown. Insensitive of him to bring up hammers, really, especially when he knew what happened to Mjolnir. But Loki was still speaking, incensed now.

“That was already too deceitful, too unmanly for a son of the great Odin, as he took great pains to remind me. Imagine what he would have said if he suspected Mother was training me in the healing arts. Women’s work.”

Loki’s shoulders sagged a little, as if getting the sentence out had deflated him, and the bitterness of his tone seemed to puncture something in Thor as well. He remembered well the continuous strife between Loki and their father, and he remembered joining in those taunts himself. Just magic tricks, he’d say, laughing, nothing like actual courage or prowess. Loki had shrugged off those comments with a tight-lipped smirk, and Thor had never seen the wound inside his brother slowly festering.

He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling uneasy and itching for something to do. He picked up the empty mug on Loki’s bedside table, tossing it from hand to hand. “And the healers on board…? They have no way to speed up the recovery?”

Loki scoffed, but there was surprisingly little malice in it. “They did everything they could. These women are not specialised healers, Thor. We lost almost all of them when our sister destroyed the entire court.” He took a brief pause, his expression closing off. “Besides, they probably don’t have a clue as to how toxins will affect my system.”

And there it was -- the elephant in the room, once again spoken into existence. The fact that the toxins had only affected Loki, and no other Asgardian, because Loki wasn’t Asgardian. Or rather -- he was, in all the ways that mattered to Thor; his biology, however, was Jotun, not Aesir. Thor had assumed that the fact their people now knew, and seemed to have taken the revelation in stride, would assuage Loki’s hatred of his origins, but judging from the expression on his face, the balm only went so far.

Thor paused in tossing the mug and looked at his brother. He cut a miserable sight, his long form curled up in the tiny, uncomfortable cot, his leathers rumpled and unfastened to allow him some breathing room, his face pale and clammy. He also looked rather… greasy (greasier than usual, Thor thought to himself with a private chuckle), because the supply of water on the ship was limited, and the last time they had made port, two days ago, Loki was still too sick to leave his bed and shower. His hair was a frizzy, curly, unkempt mess, and judging from the way Loki kept tugging at it irritably, it was doing nothing to help his mood.

Thor’s chest squeezed in a weird way. They had both been through much, much worse than not washing for a few days, of course: Thor had lost his hammer and his eye, Loki had fallen into the Void and been brainwashed by a mad Titan, and just two months ago their entire home planet had been wiped out. But something about the figure Loki cut right now reminded Thor so vividly of when he was sick as a kid -- pouting and complaining that he couldn’t go out to play with Thor -- that he felt overcome with the urge to help somehow.

“Why don’t you brush your hair?” he asked, before he could stop himself.

Loki glared at him. “I am already feeling absolutely rotten, Thor. The last thing I need is some catty remark from you about the state of my hair.”

Thor just raised his eyebrows expectantly.

Loki’s glare didn’t change, but he huffed, “I can’t reach the brush, and it’s all tangled up in the back anyway. I can’t get at the knots without my arm locking up. And it’s not pleasant when that happens.” Which, Thor guessed, was Loki code for ‘hurts badly enough to overcome my vanity’.

“Well, come on, then.” He set the mug down with a loud clang, rubbed his hands together, and picked up the brush. Loki looked at him as if he’d sprouted another head.

“Sit up straighter,” Thor ordered, ignoring him and gesturing to the bed with the brush. “And move over.”

“I’m sick, you know,” Loki complained, and Thor held back a smile -- there it was again, that child Loki of long ago.

“Of course you are. And I’m going to do a nice thing for you. So. Move over. Unless you’d rather keep looking like you’ve got Ratatoskr making a nest in your hair.”

Loki narrowed his eyes, but begrudgingly moved over, so that Thor could sit on the bed next to him and set to the task of brushing his hair. Barely three strokes in, however, Loki yelped. “That was attached to my head, you oaf! If your plan to fix the state of my hair is to tear it all out, feel free to stumble back out of my room like the bumbling bilgesnipe you are!”

Thor scowled, and directed a light bolt of static at Loki’s head in retaliation. “If you don’t shut up I’m going to fry the hair off your head, brother.” Loki snapped his mouth closed, which was satisfying, but Thor did start trying to be gentler with the brushstrokes, and the room quickly fell into a peaceful hush. This was unusual for them, both the quiet companionship and the hair brushing itself. It would never have happened back on Asgard, but -- many things would never have happened back on Asgard, and Asgard itself was gone forever. And Thor found that this simple act, unusual as it may be, had a strange calming power. If he was being honest, he’d missed brushing his own hair, ever since that lunatic had cut it all off on Sakaar. He’d been so proud of his long, lustrous mane, like every self-respecting Asgardian warrior. Now that it was gone, brushing Loki’s was… comforting, somehow.

After he’d worked out the knots and got Loki’s hair back into a semblance of order, he set the brush down. He hummed quietly to himself for a moment, then reached for two strands, and started twisting them around each other.

Loki, who had been uncharacteristically quiet and docile up to that point, perked up at this. “What are you doing?”

“I’m braiding it.”

“Yes, I can tell that you’re braiding it.” When no further explanation came, Loki insisted: “Why?”

“Why what?” Thor played dumb on purpose, adding more strands to the braid he was weaving.

“Why are you braiding my hair.”

“Well, I always braided my own hair. I’m quite good at it.”

“I know you do. Did,” Amended Loki. “But why are you braiding mine? I’ve never worn it like that.”

“That’s not true,” Thor protested, not wanting to admit that he was partly doing it because he found it soothing, and partly just because he liked being in the same room with Loki without one of them trying to beat up the other. “Mother used to braid it for you when you were a child, just as she did me.”

Another, heavier silence filled the room.

“That’s true,” Loki admitted. “But I--”

“Look, just let me finish it, okay? You can always undo it later.”

“That’s not what I--” Loki was fidgeting with his hands, an old tell of his. It was so rare to see him struggling for words, Loki Silver-Tongue, master of lies. Thor enjoyed it immensely.

“You don’t have to do this, Thor,” he said, eventually. “I’m sure you have much better things to do around the ship. You know, on account of being the king.”

Thor looked down. The title still sat uneasy on his shoulders. He wore it because he knew it was the right thing, but he was still grateful for moments when he could sneak off and just be Thor -- simply Thor.  “I know,” he muttered at length. “But I want to.”

And that was it. Loki stopped protesting, which in retrospect, Thor knew, should not have been surprising. Loki had always understood selfish motives; he respected the honesty of them.

After Thor was done, he rose from the bed to admire his handiwork -- two small braids circling the sides of Loki’s head, joined up into a thicker braid at the back.

“Not half bad,” he beamed. “Why, brother, you even look less greasy than usual.”

Loki scowled, gingerly touching along the braids with his fingertips. Thor batted his hand away. “You’ll ruin them!”

“I thought you said I could undo them.”

“Well I’ve changed my mind, they look good and you’re not to touch them.”

“Oh, I’m not to touch them, am I?”

“Exactly. It’s an order. You know, on account of my being the king,” he added, emulating Loki’s prim tone from earlier.

Loki scoffed, but his eyes were twinkling with mirth. Thor would almost swear that the pettier and cheekier he acted -- the farther from the boy he’d been, trying to emulate his father in everything --  the prouder, somehow, Loki became of him.

“Very well, then. Now off with you,” Loki added, shooing him out with a graceful gesture. “I want a nap.”

“Aww, poor Loki. Needs his sleep to get all better.”

“Thor, with all due respect, which was a very little amount to begin with and getting littler by the second -- if you don’t leave immediately, I will do to your face what I did to the last lunch tray.”

And thanks to the benefit of many years of knowing Loki, Thor was wise enough to leave the room at that -- but he was still cackling to himself all the way back to the observation deck.

[lelujeane]

J.I.D

Rollin' stoner, stone roller

Stone Cold Steve

???

Cough, sneeze, eyes bleed

Can't believe, conceive

Conceded to the fact that I don't need she

Or she don't need me

Dogs love

Fleas on my dog

I'm a dog

Our fleet hasn't leave

Believe me or not

You can see for yourself like a selfie

Selfish

First to say nobody ever help me

Helpless, help me

I'm so cold to the point that a nigga's Celsius

Converted to Kelvin

Fahrenheit feel you

Feel so...wait, wait

Can't forget to tell you

I want yours

But I never been a sole settler

Move and go get her

Go get the...I got that

He's askin' for his bike back

I'm going down the street

I'll be riiight back

Melody's the canvas to paint pain

I've been through it like this shit

Like I'm Andy Dufresne(like I'm Andy Dufresne)

Details, I refrain, butthe outcome's the same

Pool party

Out comes the rain, lil thunder

God got me off the heavy thumb that I was under

Little plunder, Andy Dufresne, shit plunges

Same thing nigga had to pick up the fumbles

And overcome the whispers in the mumbles

The rap game looking real scrumdiddlyumptious

And I'm here to presume the assumptions

That you'll catch me

Run son!

You couldn't pitch, I'ma tumble

If I'm a ???

Rolling Stoner

???

Let me get my papers

If you talk about ???

I'ma motherfuckin' ninja

I ??? ???

You probably crushed to dust

(I'ma motherfuckin' ninja

I ??? ???

You probably crushed to dust.)

Johnny Venus

I tried to stick to myself

I really do

I don't mean to fuck yo' life up

I know that I'm a walking trifling nigga

Who'd be right for the night

But pinky always right

Hand raising up, my right hand

I swear if I had a pair of wings you'll never see your nigga

Your eyes to stay dry, your lips to stop quivering

Baby ain't no point asking why

Can't I

Get my shit together

I'm just used to living here

My bag's heavy

Been cutting through my wrist again

Heart starts to fit the pattern

Get to take the risk again

Transformation's imminent

Doc, I've been stuck in this shell

Like a junkie

Yo, well

We still over here

But the coyotes surround

Always looking for dead bodies

Ain't no ladi dadi, my nigga

Refugee outfits with the ???, my nigga

Better hurry, don't you know we gettin' ???, my nigga

And man I know all them bleed stains gotta be spellin' out something man please show a sign

And you say you've been puttin' in work

Well, I'm glad that I ain't you

Cuz we still part-time

And that's a Jaguar ???

Happy hour at the ???

And shit's so damn shaky over here

Just to make the next year

I'll be jumping over fault lines

So when I'll make your CD

Best believe, though

We ending out like a motherfuckin' ???

Pocket's fat from the curse I carry

And we ain't taking prisoners cuz they too heavy

Sittin' in my hotel bed

Time to ??? where mama used to grab ???

??? on the plane we was

Barely left our house

??? ??? heaven and hell

??? with my cuz, a knucklehead, loose cannon

Brilliant mind

Romancing bitches, defensive blinds

Throw out the passages from books we only read once

They from the north side

??? the earth to us

You nag at the niggas

Don't travel well unless it's a bus, but

Fuck all this storytelling

Tell 'em bitches ?? up

My coz's about the ace

About the London Tower

And the ??, you can mix it if you wanna

(If you wanna, mix it if you wanna...)

Doctur Dot

Yours was the last set of eyes

That I would ever recognize

And truthfully I think that's what scared me the most

Cuz, when epifany hit me it caused my head to explode

Now I'm walkin' round senseless

A misfit down the island where the broken toys miss Christmas

And a liquid still drips from my slit wrist

While I cleanse the river in the grooves on a clinched fist

Uu, little vixen

Yelling at me like "nigga why you so dismissive?"

Prolly cuz I'm broken, power tools couldn't fix this

Prolly why I'm smoking all these dudes

Prolly why I'm moochi, Wiley, Wiley, Wiley

Now I use the concoction

Crank the volume and bab like cockatoo

She look at me like "how could you?"

How could you? How could you? How could you?

How could you not understand?

Fuck it

How could I expect you to?

Through the pain and the residue

Still, hella' cool, hella' cool

Eating hella' shrooms until them fellas grew

And now we tastin' all these colors turning yellow blue

I bet you never knew

Nothing's ever new

??? is so hard that you never knew

Renegade love is ?? whatever what whatever do

A bitch would never know

Nothing's ever new

Mereba

So many other hues than the shade of blue

Yet I paint more than disguise with it

Ask my momma "why we gotta ride again?"

I just figured that all the streets would've ended where they began

She said "I'm sorry baby but you'll be a stroger lady

You'll never need a fellow when you'll always drive 'em crazy."

I call my mamma, Cleo, damn, she knew what she was sayin'

Now I'm here in East Atlanta soul straying

I swear, my insides must be gold plated, the way I shine

But I hear my heart's a cold case

How I decline better love, you know the kind

Cinderella forever

They didn't make my size when they were measuring the treasures, cuz

I want the world till I slumber below

The whole world, New Imperial Float

I hit the ball, hit the road

All I know, all I'll know, all I've known

All the bittersweet comprising the fickle fleet and halos

I need more

Room for living

Till I'm ghost

[nothing-but-dreamy]

ROYAL SIN

Pairing: FFXV!NYX ULRIC x GENDER NEUTRAL!READER

Words: 2.172

Warnings: fluff

Synopsis: On a party, you try to get the attention of a certain Glaive because he is everything you are interested in.

For two hours, you were watching the Glaive that did guard duty during the lame royal ball you had to attend. It was Prince Noctis' birthday and even if he was more absent than present, everyone else had to stay there, having fun. Orders from the King. You wanted to have fun. Just a little bit different than everyone else around you.

So, for a while you tried to find a way to get the Glaive's attention but he seemed to be extremely persistent against your charme. A skill every Glaive had. You knew that. Usually, you treated all guards with the respect they deserved. They were there to protect you and the other members of the royal family. Usually, they worked unnoticed by everyone.

Usually...

But usually, Glaives weren't this extremely handsome. You had met a lot of guards in your life as a royal heir to the throne and yet, this one Glaive was different. He stood out from all the others.

Nyx Ulric was his name. A refugee, coming from Galahd. He wore the Kingsglaive uniform and yet, the typical details of his origin, like the braids in his hair and the small tattoos, were subtly displayed but also proudly represented. He stood there with his hands folded behind his back, tall and honorable, after fighting countless battles against the Imperials.

You knew he got called 'hero', fighting fearlessly against the meanest monsters while looking out for his comrades at the same time. You were sure that this title meant nothing to him. It was just a word, accompanying him like a shadow but disappeared when the light of reality broke through.

You let your eyes roam over his appearance. The shiny metal applications were sparkling in the soft ambient illumination. The warm light of candles got reflected from the polished surface. But all that was nothing compared to the emitted light that came from the man's intense, piercing blue eyes.

You watched him constantly, trying to get his attention just for a split second. You were craving the feeling of his eyes burning on your body. Just for one moment. But like a statue made of stone, he seemed to be unaware of you.

While he seemed to be motionless, composed and under control, you were the complete difference. Since your eyes had landed on him, your mind was busy with wild fantasies how his perfect, full lips would taste. How it would feel when his stubble would brush along your skin when he would kiss you hungrily. And how his greyish hair would feel when you would knot your fingers into it to yank him closer to you.

While you stood at the bar counter, holding a drink in your hand, your attention was fixated on the Glaive with all these thoughts about this man who ignored you completely.

You found an idea to go to him, it was a lame one, but you gulped the rest of your drink before you hurried over to the position of the gruff man, "Glaive!", you called out, loud enough to get his attention and only his, "Please, you have to come with me! There's an emergency!", you said frantically.

Nyx looked concerned at you. The whole evening, he had noticed how you were staring at him. At him, who was just a Glaive. A guard like all the others spread in the room. He was nothing special. Even his Captain reminded him of this fact regularly. He was aware that he was just a refugee, a homeless man, who came to Insomnia to fight against Niflheim because he was in the King's debt. And yet, Nyx got your attention. To see you now in front of him surprised him more than anything else. You addressed him with a problem and his sense of duty demanded from him to help. His sense of duty and the wish to get closer to someone unreachable. He stepped forward, "Your Highness, please, calm down. What happened?", he said serious but softly.

"I have to show you. Please, follow me!", you asked with pleading eyes before you aimed for the exit of the ball room while waving for him to follow you.

Nyx followed you. With your frame in sight, he hurried after you down the hallway to whatever emergency there might be lurking. Different options were popping up in his mind as he considered what problem there could be he had to take care of instead of one of the Kingsguard. The question why you have picked him was the loudest.

You flew down the different hallways of the Citadel, turning left and right ways until you hurried into a room, dragging Nyx after you before you closed the door.

Nyx stood there, watching you locking the door without making any sound before you turned around to close up on the Glaive.

You stopped right under his eyes, looking into these two crystal clear blue orbs, letting your eyes roam over the handsome features with all these small scars of this tall, proud soldier. Softly, you cupped his face, your thumbs were caressing his stubble, softly tracing along the line of his lips before you pulled him down to you. You met his lips longingly, kissing Nyx Ulric strongly for several moments before you loosened the connection again. You leant back just to watch him still enjoying what you have done to him with his eyes still closed.

Nyx considered his next step but he knew what he wanted. He opened his eyes, stepped forward, cupped your face and kissed you strongly with such force that you had to grab into his jacket to keep your balance. He leant back again, staring into your eyes, "We have to stop this, YN. We shouldn’t meet like this all the time.", he breathed before leaning against your forehead, hating himself for saying these things because all he wanted was to be close to you like in all the weeks before.

"You don't really wanna stop that... This ... between us, do you?", you asked with a smile. You already saw the answer in his face but still, you wanted to convince him a bit more, "You don't wanna lose this, right?", you breathed before you kissed along his jawline, letting your lips dance over his beard, kissing down his neck to reach a spot underneath his ear which always made him weak. At that moment, it was the same. You felt it underneath your hands as his heartbeat quickened subtle.

Nyx needed much of his willpower to stay focused, "N-no... I mean, yes! We have to stop... But n-no ... God damnit!", he breathed annoyed that he got defeated by you once again. He grabbed your shoulders to push you against the next wall caging you with his arms before he crashed his lips on yours again.

You snaked your arms around his neck to bring Nyx closer. Nyx Ulric: the Glaive, your lover, your boyfriend. For eight months. He was the one who made your heart skip a bit just with one glance at you. The one who made you swoon with his lips on yours. The one who made you crazy when he kissed you so deeply as if nothing else in the world would matter.

Since the evening had started, Nyx was craving to kiss you because you were undeniably beautiful in your royal attire. Every step you had made was watched by his observing glance even if you hadn't noticed it. Whenever someone talked to you more than just friendly, Nyx became jealous because you were his. And only his. No matter how complicated this situation was, he also couldn't allow someone else next to you.

"Nyx, you really wanna end this?", you asked softly, brushing your nose along his while you enjoyed the iron grip of his hands on your body as he let his hands roam over your back.

"No... You're mine.", he said determined, pulling you closer to him, digging his fingers possessively into the fabric of your attire before he leant his head into the crook of your neck to inhale your alluring scent.

You raked your fingers into his hair to calm him softly. He sounded so desperate because of the whole situation and you just wanted to soothe him again, "I also don't want to end things. But I want to be close to you. I miss you whenever you're not with me.", you breathed what caused Nyx to tighten the grip around you even more.

"God, I miss you, too.", Nyx whispered against your skin before he pressed soft kisses on your neck. He was a dutiful man, sticking to the rules that were set and yet, when he was with you, it went all over board because you were his sin. A royal sin he allowed to himself even if he knew hell would break loose if this would become public.

You knew you brought Nyx into trouble. It could be too easy for the two of you to get caught if you weren't cautious enough and still, you couldn't stay away from him. His kisses were addictive. His eyes were drawing and you just couldn't get enough of his delicious scent, "I love you, Nyx.", you whispered softly.

Nyx froze by your words, his grip became even stronger before he raised his head to look into your eyes to search for a lie, a joke, anything but there was nothing but love for him, "Y-you... You do- what?", he whispered with disbelief before cupping your face gently with his gloved hands.

"I love you, Nyx.", you said one more time with a lovely smile and more meaningfully.

Nyx couldn't respond instead, once again, he kissed you desperately to show you how he felt.

You knew what he wanted to say. He said 'I love you, too' with his lips and that was enough. You didn't have to hear the words from him because Nyx said them in his own way. And this way was far more sweet and amazing than any words he could use. Your pulse quickened by his moves with his savoring lips.

Nyx could be with you like this forever. He always lost track of time when he was with you but then, there was still this small voice in his head that reminded him that he was on guard duty. With much force, he removed himself from your lips, "We should go back. It will get noticed when I'm gone too long."

You sighed sadly, still tasting him on your lips, "You're right, I guess. Alright, we go back. But I will find a way to spend the night with you.", you said with a wink, aiming for the door.

Nyx grabbed your wrist, "We shouldn't go together.", he warned, a concerned expression on his face.

"But we left together. I'm your alibi if someone will say something. Trust me.", you said with a reassuring smile.

Nyx cupped softly your cheek, kissing you even softer one last time, "I trust you. Always."

You leant against his touch before you opened the door to slip out of the room as the hallway was empty. Side by side, you and the Glaive walked back to the throne room so Nyx could go back to his position. You were about to turn away from Nyx as someone appeared from the shadow.

"Glaive! Why have you left your position?", the booming voice of the Captain called out.

"Sir, I was-"

"Captain, I have to apologize. It was my fault that he had to leave his position. I sensed a threat for the prince and so, I ran to the first guard I could find. He just did his job, Sir.", you said calmly with a huge, charming smile.

Captain Drautos looked at you, raising his brows, looked at Nyx who stayed quiet before the Captain looked back at you, "Well, Your Highness, that's uncommon. But was he able to help you?"

You noticed the way he asked this question. It was as if he was looking right through your lie but you just smiled and nodded, "Yes, Sir. His help was very useful. And now, please excuse me, Captain. Glaive, thanks again."

Nyx nodded politely but serious, "It was my pleasure, Your Highness."

You nodded appreciatively before you left the two men alone to go back to the bar for another drink. You turned around just to see how Drautos spoke to Nyx in an intimidating way. You just hoped the Captain had bought your lie and Nyx was out of trouble.

You got your drink the moment the Captain left Nyx alone in his position. Once again, you watched the honorable Glaive who had kissed you so passionately that your world was more colorful like never before. He wasn't looking at you but he didn't have to. You knew you were always in his mind, occupying his thoughts, his sleep, his whole being because this one, special Glaive did the same with you.